The night had completely fallen, and the moon was gradually rising. Aldrich realized he had spent quite a while with Marvin.
He patiently said, “Marvin, think of Alisa as your first stepping stone in your growth. There will be more challenging moments ahead. This is not a difficult task.”
“I can’t just stand there and watch her pretend in front of Maggie. We still have to be polite and courteous to her,” Marvin replied, his teeth even making a grinding sound.
“That’s good. Keep this attitude. You will grow from this,” Aldrich replied as he turned to leave. “Thomas has arranged accommodations in the adjoining building. You can find your room there for the night.”
Aldrich remained calm, and Marvin was surprised, “Why aren’t you angry or in a hurry?”
“Look on the bright side, Alisa is under my watchful eye.”
Aldrich’s poised demeanor made Marvin realize that as an Alpha, he was more rational and wiser. Marvin had much to learn, and he finally saw his path clearly.
The cabinet by the windowsill made a noise, and Marvin reached inside to pull out an item and tossed it at Aldrich, taunting him by raising his chin, “I found this easily. It seems someone else has been quietly tending to their injuries in the study.”
Aldrich instantly sensed it and turned back, catching the item thrown at him – burn ointment. Marvin was trying to express concern while belittling him?
Aldrich’s face didn’t show any change in emotions, but he felt more at ease in his heart. “Yes, I won’t do that anymore.”
“Can you guarantee that you won’t get hurt again? Arrogant! Unless you’re Wolverine!”
“I meant that Maggie should administer the medication from now on.”
“I shouldn’t have said anything!” Marvin was infuriated. Suddenly, he had been forced to swallow a mouthful of the sweet taste of love, and he felt irritated.
Marvin grabbed another medicine bottle, which was tossed back to him. “Anti-diarrhea medicine!”
Not mentioning it would have been better, but now he suddenly felt his stomach stirring. He jumped down from the windowsill and rushed to the bathroom in a panic.
The layout of the master bedroom in the annex was exactly the same as before. Many pieces of furniture had already been moved in, and there wouldn’t be any discomfort. Thomas had been an excellent steward in managing Barrett Manor for many years.
Alisa was placed in an upstairs room for monitoring and observation. This arrangement was part of the unspoken understanding between Thomas and Aldrich. Even without Aldrich’s orders, Thomas had already considered it.
After expressing his gratitude to Thomas, Aldrich inquired about the situation upstairs.
“Is she severely injured?” he asked.
“Judging by the rate at which a human body recovers, it’s relatively severe. She has extensive abrasions on her lower back, her right leg is fractured, and she’s wearing a cast. It’ll take six to eight weeks for her to remove the cast, and nearly three months for a full recovery.”
Aldrich contemplated this and said, “Not ideal.”
Thomas concurred, “Indeed. That period corresponds to the time of the lady’s delivery. If Alisa’s mobility gradually improves, there will be a lot of trouble at Barrett Manor.”
“Control the dosage. We must ensure that Alisa’s body doesn’t recover to the point where she can get out of bed before Maggie gives birth.”
This was tantamount to keeping her under some form of captivity. It appeared that Alisa had genuinely angered Mr. Barrett this time.
Thomas nodded, “The surveillance is set up in discreet corners, and there will be someone on duty 24 hours a day. Alisa won’t have the chance for any more actions.”
“Thank you,” Aldrich said, feeling a bit relieved. “How’s Maggie?”
“Madam is very worried about Alisa’s condition, and she feels guilty. She promised to make Marvin apologize to Alisa.”
“Marvin’s growth just got another challenge.”
“No, Mr. Barrett, your trial is right in front of you.”
Aldrich looked at Thomas, “How so?”
“Alisa’s hair at the back was burned by the intense fire, and it was tangled and yellow. To make it easier to manage, the servants helped Alisa cut her hair short.”
“I have no interest in Alisa’s hair.”
“But Alisa pleaded with Madam to cut her hair short with her.”
“Short hair!” Aldrich couldn’t sit still. This made him grit his teeth and feel discomfort, unlike anything he had ever felt before. Alisa was undoubtedly the first to make him feel this way. Even Ethan, who used equally ruthless tactics, had never made him so furious!
“I need to bring Maggie back!” Aldrich was determined to reduce the time Maggie and Alisa spent together.
Thomas sighed and suggested, “Mr. Barrett, have you heard of the concept of a ‘pampered husband’?”
Today was undoubtedly a surreal day for Aldrich. It was more exhausting and nerve-wracking than his experiences on the battlefield.
Aldrich again questioned his ears, “What concept?”
“Being affectionate and clingy can make a relationship more harmonious. Research data shows that in partner relationships, males who are affectionate can capture females’ hearts more effectively.”
“You…” Aldrich stared intently at Thomas, his voice filled with disbelief as he asked, “Are you telling me to be affectionate?”
For someone like him, a top-tier Alpha used to getting his way and being stern, to act affectionate toward his partner? This image was simply unimaginable!
Thomas forced a smile and said, “Would you like me to provide you with a guide on how to do it? I… will try.”
Maggie’s voice came from the corridor, and Thomas quickly gestured to Aldrich. “Mr. Barrett, remember to be gentle and tender.”
Thomas then turned and left. Maggie asked, “Thomas, is everything arranged for Alisa?”
Maggie nodded with her shoulder-length hair swaying gently. “How is Aldrich? Did he apply the ointment?”
“Not yet. Mr. Barrett doesn’t want anyone to see his vulnerable side.”
“He’s acting like a child!”
Inside the bedroom, Aldrich listened to the conversation between Thomas and Maggie, and he quickly removed his robe, jumped onto the bed naked, and pressed on his back wound. He endured the pain, not making a single sound.
Outside, Thomas bid Maggie goodnight, and she gently picked up her robe from the floor and approached Aldrich, asking tenderly, “Aldrich, if I were to apply the ointment for you, would you dislike it and refuse?”
The silver wolf inside Aldrich roared with excitement, “Gentle! Affectionate! Vulnerable! You must win over Maggie!”
Aldrich took a deep breath and slowly turned around.