One night stand with my president(chapter 456)

 

Chapter 456: The Final Test

After hearing the full story from Harrison, Adeline frowned deeply.

"We don't have any evidence. It's just a hunch, isn't it? We can't just go after him without proof," she said. "What if we're wrong? That would be a terrible mistake."

"Exactly why we're staying cautious," 

Harrison replied. "I've already got people looking into it."

But Marshall and Frankie had been far too careful.

So far, nothing suspicious had surfaced.

Adeline nodded. She was starting to feel tired and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Harrison smiled faintly, pleased she naturally sought comfort in him.

"You know," Adeline murmured, "after hearing Lorenzo bring it up today... I started thinking about it too."

Harrison asked, "Thinking about what?"

"About when we'll get married."

Harrison's eyes lit up. He turned toward her eagerly. "You're ready to get married?”

If she said yes, he'd plan the whole thing now.

He'd marry her tomorrow if she'd let him.

"Why are you so eager?" she said, giving his chest a playful tap. "I haven't made up my mind yet."

He let out a small sigh.

Adeline looked up at him with a teasing smile.

"You really want to marry me that badly?"

"I want you," he corrected gently. "I really want to be your husband."

"But why the rush?" she asked. "We're doing fine. as we are."

"We are. But..." Harrison's gaze darkened slightly.

"I can't shake the fear that someone else will take you away."

There were too many men who liked her.

And he loved her too much, so much that he

often found himself anxious, possessive.

"You think someone could steal me from you?"

Adeline asked, mock-offended. "Is that a lack of confidence in me, or in yourself?"

He pinched her cheek and grinned. "You? Never."

"Then it must be yourself." She cupped his face with both hands. "Don't sell yourself short. You're the best."

Harrison was speechless.

The driver in front nearly choked.

No one had ever comforted Harrison like that.

She really was a sweet, thoughtful little thing.

The next morning, Edward barely touched his breakfast.

Alondra didn't eat at all. Her eyes were swollen-clearly, she'd cried herself to sleep the night before.

She knew she'd be seeing her mother today. 

But she also knew-it would be the last time.

How could she not cry?

Even the housekeeper, upon seeing her tear-stained face, couldn't help feeling a stab of pity.

Edward, however, ignored the disapproving looks. Seeing Alondra's red eyes only made him more irritable. "Look at yourself-eyes all puffy. How am I supposed to take you to your mother like this?" he snapped.

Alondra said nothing.

"What are you crying for?" he barked again.

"You're living in a place like this, getting everything you want-what the hell is there to cry about?"

Even the housekeeper was ready to speak up.

But then, a low voice cut through the room. 

"It's early. Why are you yelling at a child?" 

Edward flinched and turned quickly-Lorenzo was walking over.

"Good morning, Dad," he greeted stiffly, clearly rattled.

Lorenzo ignored him. Instead, he smiled and waved Alondra over.

"Come here, sweetheart."

Alondra walked up to him and whispered, "Good morning, Grandpa."

"Look at those eyes," Lorenzo frowned. 

"What happened to make you cry so hard?"

Alondra glanced at Edward but said nothing.

Lorenzo didn't press. He gently patted her head.

Edward hesitated, then tried to speak. "Dad, could you maybe...”

"Don't bother," Lorenzo's voice turned cold. 

"My decision is final."

Edward shut his mouth. He gave Alondra a small gesture, and she silently followed him out.

Watching them leave, the housekeeper murmured, "She's just a kid... and she didn't do anything wrong. Her dad yelling at her like that... It's just cruel. Poor girl. She cried all night..."

Realizing she was speaking in front of Lorenzo, she quickly fell silent and retreated.

Lorenzo's face showed no expression.

But deep down-this was the last test.

No matter what Edward had done in the past, he was still Lorenzo's son.

And Lorenzo was willing to forgive him.

But this time, he wanted to see what Edward would choose.

If Edward was willing to give it all up-leave the Thomson family, take Britney and Alondra back to Yewhaina, then Lorenzo would accept it.

He wouldn't stand in their way.

Hed let them go as a family, or even let them stay-together.

He used to feel conflicted  because of Myra.

But recently, he and Myra had talked.

He could tell-she didn't care anymore.

She'd even told him not to let her be the reason behind any major decisions.

So yes, Lorenzo was even open to letting Britney into the Thomson family.

But if Edward chose to abandon her, then it would prove one thing: Edward... was still the cold, selfish man he'd always been.

And if that was the case, neither Edward nor Britney would be allowed to stay.

He'd spoken with Harrison about this just last night.

Harrison hadn't opposed the idea, but he would never forgive Edward.

Lorenzo understood why.

He'd watched Harrison endure the heartbreak and pain from years ago-watched him survive it with gritted teeth.

So how could Harrison ever truly forgive

Edward? Later that morning, the car pulled up to a modest hotel.

The moment the door opened, Alondra leapt out and ran toward the entrance.

Despite how much Britney had scolded Alondra lately, Britney was still her mom.

And Alondra missed her desperately.

But Edward caught her arm and pulled her back.

"Not so fast. What did I tell you in the car? Did you remember?"

Alondra lowered her head. "I remember."

Satisfied, Edward took her hand and led her inside.

Britney opened the door and immediately ushered them in.

"Well? Did Lorenzo change his mind?" she asked, eager and anxious.

Edward didn't answer right away. He shut the door-then gently nudged Alondra forward.

Alondra's lips trembled. Her eyes turned red again. "Mommy... you should go back to Yewhaina..."

Britney's eyes narrowed in an instant.

She let out a cold laugh and looked straight at Edward. "So that's it, huh? That's what you want to say to me—but instead, you make a child say it?”