One night stand with my president(chapter 460)

 

Chapter 460:  l'm Here.

Edward's fingers curled into fists.

If things were really headed that way, then... they couldn't blame him for what came next.

"Dad, what are you saying?" he forced a smile.

"Alondra is my daughter-I would never abandon her."

Lorenzo shook his head. "I don't believe a single word you say."

His gaze fell on Alondra, then turned cold again.

"That child shouldn't be raised by you. She's still young-there's still time to teach her right from wrong. But if she stays with you... God knows what kind of person she'll grow up to be."

He took a breath and said, "Alondra stays in the Thomson family. You-leave."

Edward stiffened. His worst fear had come true- Lorenzo really was kicking him out.

"Dad, how could you?" His face went pale. 

"you promised that if I sent Britney away, I could stay."

"And just because I promised, I must follow through?" Lorenzo said coldly. "Did you

honor your promises-to your wife? To your child?"

Edward had broken his promise, but now he expected loyalty in return.

It was ridiculous.

Edward had no rebuttal.

Desperate, he turned to Harrison.

Maybe... just maybe Harrison would speak up for him.

But Harrison only stared at him, silent.

There wasn't a shred of sympathy in his eyes, only disappointment-profound and bitter.

Edward couldn't understand it.

He had already taken care of Britney.

What more did they want from him?

Lorenzo coughed lightly and then said, "You should go-before I stop sparing you your dignity."

Edward clenched his jaw but didn't move.

He was still Lorenzo's son.

Maybe this was just talk.

Maybe if he stayed and begged long enough, Lorenzo would relent.

"Must I spell everything out for you?" Lorenzo's voice turned cold. "Tell me-why have you been in contact with the Stewart family lately?"

Edward froze.

The Stewart family was, at best, a second-rate rival in business.

They'd always been envious of the Thomson family, but never able to compete.

Lately, Edward had secretly met with them several times.

He thought he'd covered his tracks.

But clearly, Lorenzo-and Harrison-had already found out.

"Dad, come on, you know me. I went to school with Eric Stewart. We were close. I just reached out to an old friend, that's all."

"Really?" Lorenzo said coldly. "Out of all your so-called friends, you just happened to reconnect with the one family that's constantly tried to undermine us? What a coincidence."

Edward was drenched in cold sweat.

"What did you promise Eric Stewart? What did he promise you?"

"Nothing," Edward choked out.

It was half true. No signed deals.

But Edward had agreed-once he was firmly reestablished in the Thomson family, he'd leak confidential business data to the Stewart family.

In return, they'd help him rise again-step by step.

Yes, Harrison held the power now.

But Edward wanted it back.

He missed being important, even if it meant betrayal.

The company's huge, he had thought. 

What's a little leak going to do?

But he hadn't expected them to uncover his plan so soon.

"After everything you've done," Lorenzo said, shaking his head. "Do you really think anyone still believes you?"

"Edward..." His voice softened-just for a moment.

Edward flinched.

Years ago, when Lorenzo called him that way, it had been full of love.

Now, it only carried sorrow.

"There's no place for you in the Thomson family anymore," Lorenzo said. "Leave. Before I have security drag you out in front of your own daughter."

Edward's spine went rigid.

He finally understood.

There was no coming back from this.

He'd gotten rid of Britney, and still, it wasn't enough.

If he'd known this would happen, maybe he should've left with her.

Maybe then...

"Then I'll go," Edward said bitterly. "Take care of yourself, Dad. Harrison... take care of your mother for me. And Alondra... please look after her. She's a good kid."

His words sounded heartfelt.

But neither Lorenzo nor Harrison reacted.

With no other option, Edward turned to leave.

As he passed Alondra, he shot her a look, hoping . she'd speak up for him.

But she either didn't understand or didn't want to, she said nothing.

After Edward left, Lorenzo called her over.

"Alondra," he sighed. "You'll stay here from now on. You're safe."

Her eyes were swollen and red.

Lorenzo's heart ached to see her like that.

He quickly had the servants bring ointment for her eyes.

Once it arrived, he personally applied it, gently and carefully.

"Alondra, did you go to the airport with your mom today?" he asked.

"No..." she sniffled. "Daddy told me to wait in the bathroom. I waited a long time... then I fell asleep. When he woke me up,  he said Mommy was already gone."

Lorenzo's brow furrowed.

"You didn't go with him to say goodbye?"

"No."

He exchanged a glance with Harrison.

A strange unease settled in both their hearts.

Meanwhile, Adeline had gotten Harrison's

message, telling her to sleep without waiting.

But she couldn't.

She lay in bed, eyes wide open, waiting.

She didn't know how much time passed before the door opened softly. Footsteps padded toward the bed.

She sat up and smelled alcohol.

"You..."

Before she could finish, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

She could feel it.

Harrison's heart wasn't calm tonight.

She gently patted his back. "It's Okay," she whispered. "I'm here."