Chapter 16: Reluctant Choices
770 Words
Seeing his daughter nod, Alexander apologized to Emily Snow.
"I'm sorry."
Emily shook her head.
"She's just a child, she doesn't understand!"
"Let's call it a night then, see you tomorrow!"
Alexander patted his daughter's head, saying:
"Say goodnight to auntie!"
Lyra waved her tiny hand.
"Bye~!"
Emily smiled gently.
"Then tomorrow, auntie will come play with you!"
The three parted ways. That night, Lyra slept soundly in Alexander's arms, perhaps her first peaceful sleep in years. She even drooled, wetting Alexander's sleeve.
Alexander didn't move his arm all night, letting his daughter's drool soak his clothes.
He noticed that although Lyra slept deeply, her small hand still clutched his collar.
Clearly, years of fear couldn't be erased so easily!
As Alexander gently stroked his daughter's head, he silently made plans.
First, the revenge for his parents, his uncle, and third uncle - it had to be settled completely! Only then could he face his parents in heaven.
Next, his daughter's health - after years of poison worm damage, he had to restore her to full health.
Only then would he have the face to meet Sophie Hale!
His thoughts continued until dawn.
At first light, Alexander sensed Victor Knight's presence. He gently placed his daughter on the bed, changed into a fresh shirt, and left the bedroom!
Victor was already waiting in the corner.
Seeing Alexander emerge, Victor stepped forward. Alexander made a "silence" gesture, and Victor immediately lowered his voice:
"Master, no one remains at the Thousand Poisons Sect. The Venerable Master was tortured nearly to death; I finally sent him on his way!"
Alexander nodded.
After reporting, Victor didn't leave, instead seeming to have something more to say!
"Speak your mind, don't hold back!"
"Yes!"
Victor replied and said:
"Master, this is the Emperor's territory. We shouldn't stay here long. If the Emperor discovers us and conflict breaks out, it could be very troublesome!"
"The Emperor?"
Alexander's eyes remained calm as water.
"Don't worry. When I came, I told my master that if any trouble arose, I would bear it alone!"
"This..."
"Victor, you know that family is my only true faith. If not for them, I wouldn't have survived these years! I wouldn't have achieved my current position! Without them, what meaning would eternal life hold, let alone power?"
Victor bowed.
"Understood. I will assist you with all my strength, Master."
"You may go."
"Yes, Master."
As Victor faded into the air, a sports car roared outside.
Alexander glanced out the window, his lips curving slightly.
"That girl is quite diligent! No wonder she's built her own business empire so young."
He then returned to play with his daughter.
...
Meanwhile, Emily Snow went directly to her company.
The Snow Cosmetics Group was Emily's own creation. Though her father provided the initial capital, after years of effort, it had become North River City's leading cosmetics company!
In North River City, Emily Snow was respected not just for her beauty, but her business acumen!
Many wealthy young men pursued her obsessively!
Of course, this wasn't love - merely calculation!
A beautiful and talented woman would surely produce superior offspring!
"Good morning, Miss Snow!"
...
"Morning, Director Snow!"
...
Employees greeted her warmly as they arrived. Emily responded with bright smiles while quickly making her way to her office.
As the door opened, a young woman in a gray business suit and high heels hurried over.
"Director, where were you yesterday? I looked for you all day!"
"I had some personal matters. What is it, Hannah?"
"Director, last quarter's results are in - down seventeen points. That's three consecutive declines this year! If this continues, our company won't survive! The shareholders unanimously believe it's because you rejected the Young Master Hayes' pursuit!"
Emily laughed coldly.
"Hannah, do you think so too?"
"Well..."
"It's alright, just say what's on your mind."
"About that..." Hannah took a deep breath, her eyes determined:
"Director Snow, I'll do everything I can to buy you more time!"
"Thank you! Hannah, you're someone I value highly - don't let me down!"
"Yes! Rest assured, I won't disappoint you!"
"Good! Once we succeed, you'll be well rewarded."
"Thank you, Director. I'll get back to work now!"
"Go ahead."
After Hannah left, Emily made another phone call, her expression turning serious.
"Hello! Dr. Douglas? I need your help with something. Are you free to meet now?"
...
"This is very important to me, please!"
...
"You're at the Medical Center? I'll come right over!"
...
Hanging up, Emily let out a relieved sigh, then her eyes hardened with determination.
"Just wait and see. I will succeed!"
- Writer
