Aldrich’s ex-girlfriend’s attack left Maggie with endless speculations. She recalled that after the attack, Aldrich quickly arrived at the flower shop and, based on her description, both Aldrich and Charlie seemed to have a vague understanding of what had happened. Aldrich carefully left Maggie at the flower shop and personally investigated the scene.
Thanks to Thomas’s ability to recognize his former partner’s characteristics from Maggie’s description, Aldrich had no suspicions at all?
As memories and speculations deepened, Maggie’s heart sank. A severe chasm was forming in her heart, an insurmountable divide between her and Aldrich.
“Are you alright, ma’am?” Thomas asked with concern.
Maggie shook her head. “I’ve been feeling very tired lately. I just need some rest.”
“I’ll escort you back to your room.”
“Thank you.”
Maggie knew that her suspicion and distance from Aldrich would start from this moment.
In the evening, Aldrich returned home promptly and stood in the bright living room, waiting for Maggie to come down for dinner. Thomas briefed him on Maggie’s activities today: “After leaving the study, ma’am seemed a bit tired and went back to her room.”
Maggie’s figure appeared in the hallway, and Aldrich immediately smiled and gestured to Thomas to stop reporting. He went upstairs to greet Maggie.
“Maggie, how was your day?”
“Fine.”
Aldrich froze because Maggie had avoided his outstretched hand. Even though she said, “Okay,” her face showed no sign of happiness, and her tone was distant.
Maggie ignored Aldrich and went straight to the dining room. Aldrich followed, pulling out the chair like a gentleman. Maggie didn’t need to be embarrassed about such a trivial thing, but she responded coldly, “Thank you.”
Aldrich’s body stiffened. “Maggie, the last time you thanked me for such a small thing was within your first three days at Barrett Manor.”
“I believe that maintaining basic courtesy and politeness is still necessary,” Maggie replied coldly.
“But I don’t want that. I’m not your partner…”
Maggie stared into Aldrich’s eyes, her silent accusation leaving him bewildered.
The meal proceeded in an exceptionally quiet manner, entirely due to Maggie’s indifference.
Aldrich had been trying to find a topic for discussion, but Maggie shut down every conversation, and eventually, she displayed complete disinterest.
“Aldrich, thank you for your hospitality, but I’ll be heading upstairs now,” Maggie said, placing her utensils down and leaving.
Watching Maggie’s retreating figure, Aldrich felt deeply uneasy. He heard the silver wolf within him mocking him once again, and he couldn’t help but rub his slightly throbbing temple.
That night, like any other night, Aldrich continued to support Maggie’s training. She had made amazing progress, constantly infusing more lunar essence into the Energy bead. Aldrich watched the Energy bead with rapt attention, feeling a strong desire to consume its power surge within him.
He was surprised to find that the Energy bead had an inexplicable effect on him. It was clearly no ordinary object. However, Maggie had casually mentioned that it was found by chance, and there was only one. She expressed concern about what might happen once it was depleted.
He walked to the balcony with soft steps and dialed a number.
Charlie, still half-asleep, was abruptly awakened by Aldrich’s call. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off sleep, and answered the phone. “Boss, it’s the middle of the night,” he said softly, his voice filled with obedience and submission.
Aldrich’s tone was firm and to the point. “Charlie, there’s something of utmost importance you need to do. We have to secure more Energy Beads for Maggie. It’s crucial.”
Charlie reluctantly sat up in bed, and his voice revealed his dutiful obedience. “Energy Beads? Seriously? Alright, boss. I’ll make it happen.”
As Aldrich explained the seriousness of the situation, his voice was filled with urgency. “Charlie, these Energy Beads hold extraordinary power, and they hold the key to something far greater than we could have imagined. We cannot underestimate their importance. Make sure Maggie has an ample supply and continues her training.”
Charlie sighed wearily, and his tone clearly conveyed his acceptance of his role. “Alright, boss, I understand. I’ll complete this mission at all costs, but I must admit, the cold and heartless CEO has been bitten hard by love.”
The moon hung high in the night sky, and Maggie was pouring an unprecedented level of enthusiasm into her training. She surpassed her usual limits, relentlessly pursuing strength and power. Aldrich watched her with surprise at her dedication. He tried to intervene, encouraging her to take a break, but Maggie refused to yield; her determination was unrelenting.
Feeling Maggie’s exceptional intensity, Aldrich approached her with a gentle yet firm voice. “Maggie, you need to calm down. Is something bothering you?”
Determination and vulnerability shone in Maggie’s eyes. “I feel very insecure, Aldrich. The memory of that attack haunts me. I need to become stronger, for my own sake and for our child.”
Aldrich’s protective instinct kicked in, and he reassured her, “You don’t have to worry, Maggie. I’ll protect all of you, no matter what.”
Maggie gazed at him, her eyes sharp. “No matter when, against anyone?” she asked, seeking his unwavering commitment.
Aldrich hesitated for a moment, a figure flashed through his mind. He paused, unable to give an immediate answer. This deepened Maggie’s suspicion of him even further. She turned and retreated to the bed, leaving him standing there, looking puzzled.
Aldrich was caught off guard by Maggie’s sudden coldness and felt a sense of loss.
Night fell, and both of them couldn’t sleep, lost in their own thoughts. It was the first time Aldrich felt tension in their relationship, and this unsettling realization continued to torment him.
In his mind, the voice of the wolf resurfaced, mocking him.
“Aldrich, you really messed up, Maggie is also enveloped in anxiety, she can’t trust you!”
“Please don’t rub salt in my wounds; this involves Maggie, and I’m already in trouble.”
“Maggie must be sensing something!”
“Are you suggesting… that’s impossible, Maggie can’t have any connection to Grace!”
“Listen, deep down, you’re troubled by this, even fearful; you can’t be completely honest with Maggie!”
“No, it’s not as simple as you’re making it sound…”
“The top priority now is to find Grace and reveal the truth!” The voice of the silver wolf urged him before disappearing.
In the late hours of the night, Aldrich contemplated deeply, thinking about how to bridge the ever-widening gap between him and Maggie. He knew he needed to apologize and find a way to express his unwavering love and commitment. It was a heavy burden for him, and he vowed to mend their strained relationship and rediscover their unbreakable bond.