Under the high-hanging moon, within Barret Barrett Manor, the servants elegantly presented dish after dish of delicious food. Alisa walked hand in hand with Maggie, offering praises and admiration as they made their way to the dining room. Aldrich followed a step behind, wearing a stiff smile.
Once they were seated, Alisa playfully covered her mouth and leaned towards Maggie. “Is it embarrassing to keep showering you with praise like this?”
Maggie reassured her, “I was equally amazed when I first came here. Don’t worry.”
Alisa pulled her chair closer to Maggie, reducing the space between them. She then turned to Aldrich. “Mr. Barret, would you find my behavior impolite?”
Of course! The silver wolf roared.
Aldrich concealed his displeasure behind a smile. “Alisa’s timing is impeccable. She arrived just as Maggie woke up.”
Timing so perfect that it left no room for him to talk to Maggie. A most excellent situation!
Alisa continued, “I want to stick to Maggie at all times. I have to return to work at the hospital tomorrow, so I won’t be able to see her during the day.”
Maggie, being considerate, asked, “Have you tried the courtesy car that Thomas arranged for you?”
Alisa nodded, “When you were resting.”
“How was it? Well, you did get your driver’s license.”
“It was quite nice. But I noticed some specialized women’s cars in the garage…”
Aldrich narrowed his eyes and casually interjected, blocking Alisa from continuing. “Those were prepared for Maggie.”
“Aldrich is such a thoughtful companion. It’s hard for any girl not to be moved,” Alisa complimented.
Maggie questioned Aldrich, “How much have you prepared for me?”
“Quite a lot, in various aspects. You can take a lifetime to explore it all.”
Maggie sighed at Aldrich’s thoughtfulness. She couldn’t imagine finding someone better than him. She couldn’t help herself and walked over to Aldrich. “You never say.”
“I don’t want these things to become the shackles of your love for me. I want you to love me truly, not just out of gratitude or familial affection.” Aldrich’s tone became noticeably heavier when he mentioned “familial affection.”
“I believe in your love…” Maggie couldn’t help but encircle Aldrich’s neck, and their lips got closer and closer. Suddenly, an intruder blocked their kiss-a beautiful and fresh Saintly Berry!
Alisa laughed and pulled Maggie away. “It’s dinnertime now!”
Maggie blushed and sat back in her place with Alisa. Aldrich’s face turned even darker. “Yes, I look forward to our rest time tonight.”
“Oh, by the way!” Alisa asked eagerly, “Can we share a room tonight, like we used to?”
“No!” Aldrich immediately refused, certain that the roaring silver wolf had been influencing him, making it hard to control himself.
“Your refusal is invalid. Tonight, who Maggie belongs to is up to Maggie!” Alisa declared.
However, Maggie was feeling conflicted. She hadn’t had a chance to check on the Energy Bead’s status after returning from the Moonlit Forest. She wanted to continue filling the Energy Bead if possible and inquire about using it for offensive purposes from Mrs. Jenkins. Additionally, she noticed that the werewolf aura left by Aldrich was gradually diminishing. There was so much they needed to discuss in private. She regretfully shook her head at Alisa and said, “Alisa, maybe we can plan for that next time.”
Alisa lowered her head and replied, “Alright, I understand.”
Seeing Alisa looking dejected, Maggie tried to cheer her up, which only fueled Aldrich’s jealousy. They were at the same dining table but in two completely different worlds. On Maggie and Alisa’s side, there was laughter and joy, while Aldrich silently ate his food. Occasionally, he received meaningful glances from Alisa, making his expression even colder.
At that moment, Thomas interrupted their meal, “Mr. Barrera, we have a visitor.”
“So late at night, who could it be?” Alisa wondered.
Before Aldrich could respond, Marvin walked in. He nodded at Maggie, sat silently on Aldrich’s other side, and asked Thomas, “May I have a place setting?”
Aldrich nodded at Thomas and asked Marvin, “This is unexpected.”
“I was already staying here, wasn’t I?”
“Many years have passed, but there have been quite a few visitors to Barrett Manor recently,” Aldrich remarked, subtly hinting at something to Alisa.
Alisa chose to ignore Aldrich’s implications and playfully nudged Maggie’s arm. “Who’s this handsome guy?”
“Just like the relationship between you and me.”
Alisa nodded, “Aldrich is not as handsome as you.”
Marvin’s eyes flared with a murderous look, and his head started to take on a wolfish shape. He released a deep growl, even bending the iron utensils in his hand. As he was about to leap up, a large hand firmly held his shoulder – it was Aldrich.
Aldrich reminded him, “No one in Barrett Manor is to be harmed; it’s the rule.”
Marvin threw down the utensils. “Yes, I want to learn from you. Your entire aura shows your disgust for this talkative woman, yet you still step forward to protect her life. It’s truly remarkable.”
This statement held a lot of information. Aldrich wondered when Marvin had become so impulsive, and Maggie pondered when Aldrich had started to dislike Alisa. Additionally, Maggie couldn’t understand why Marvin, apart from matters related to Grace, would become so agitated and lose his composure, as he usually had a calm and elegant demeanor.
Marvin said, “I’m going to bed. Be ready in the morning; we’re going together.”
Alisa appeared frightened. “Is Marvin dangerous? Will he hurt me?”
Maggie assured her, “No, he’s a gentleman.”
“Really couldn’t tell,” Alisa commented.
“He might just be tired. You’ll get to know him in time,” Maggie replied.
“Hopefully, he won’t hold a grudge against me. But he’ll have to accept that Aldrich is more handsome,” Alisa added.
Maggie looked at Alisa, considering whether to ask if she was paying too much attention to Aldrich. Ultimately, she chose to trust Alisa.
The remainder of dinner was filled with a sense of unease. Maggie didn’t eat much and left the table soon after. Alisa, for once, didn’t follow her upstairs.
As soon as she returned to her room, Aldrich locked the door. They embraced each other passionately, their bodies and desires reigniting the connection that had been missing for a day. They explored each other’s every inch, burning with longing for one another. When Aldrich pressed his lips to Maggie’s ear and let out a low, heated breath, he said, “It feels like it’s been forever.”
Maggie couldn’t help but agree. Just a day without talking or holding each other had felt like an eternity. She kissed Aldrich’s jawline and murmured, “I have so much to say to you, but I’m not sure where to start.”
“Say you love me,” he urged.
“I love you, Aldrich. You always make my heart race.”
“Because of the wedding dress and the car?”
“It’s more than that.”
“Good. I’ve come alive again.”
“Don’t talk nonsense,” Maggie laughed.
Aldrich buried his face in Maggie’s neck, savoring her scent. “Alisa makes me uneasy.”
“I know it’s challenging to balance, but I hope you can get along with her.”
“What if… What if I had met you earlier, Maggie?”
Aldrich wondered what would have happened if he had taken in the orphaned Maggie before Alisa came along, nurturing her with the same care he offered Charlie and Jolie, fostering a loving relationship. However, he knew it was a mere wishful thought.
It was at that moment when Charlie’s mind link reached Aldrich: “Boss, come quickly to the Moonlit Forest. Jolie and I have found a cave that might contain the Energy Bead!”
Aldrich sat up abruptly, and Maggie asked, “Where are you going?”
He reassured her, patting her hand, and swiftly used the mind link to inquire further: “Are you sure?”
Charlie replied, “Absolutely. I’ve felt the energy of the Energy Bead; there’s no mistake!”
Aldrich got dressed and said, “Maggie, Charlie might have found the Energy Bead. I have to go check.”
“I’m coming too!”
“No, my dear, you need to rest. You haven’t had a proper night’s sleep since returning from the Moonlit Forest.”
“Is it dangerous?”
A cave in the Moonlit Forest… dark and deep, teeming with wild beasts. Apart from the Spring Hunt with Selene’s protection and guidance, no wolf dared to risk their life to enter.
Aldrich kissed Maggie’s forehead. “No, there won’t be any danger. I’ll be back soon.”