Chapter 94
Alexander sat in the back seat, staring out the window as he and Tyron headed to Sinclair’s Winery and Vineyard. His father had personally managed the vineyard, but Alexander had recently taken over so his father could finally relax.
Truthfully, the frequency of his father’s hospital visits had become something Alexander didn’t want to dwell on. “He’s hiding something Alexander murmured with a sigh.
Earlier that day, Alexander had insisted on accompanying his father to the hospital, but his father firmly declined, just as Rain had when she offered to join him, saying Ben was enough.
“Did you find anything out from the hospital?” Alexander asked Tyron, who was seated in the passenger seat.
Tyron, glancing back at him, shook his head. “No update yet, Boss. You know how the Chairman is—if he wants to hide something, it’s almost impossible to dig it out p>
Alexander sighed deeply. Dr. Lambert wouldn’t reveal anything, even under extreme pressure. Those close to his father were fiercely loyal, unwavering in their silence, even in the face of death. “I guess we have no choice then,” Alexander muttered. “Contact Chubby. Maybe he’ll have a way in p>
Tyron nodded. “Right away p>
Chubby was the best hacker Alexander knew—someone he had been trying to recruit for years. But Chubby was a lone wolf, and he was only taking on jobs he found morally acceptable. Alexander had built a solid working relationship with him over time, though. If anyone could crack into the hospital’s records or uncover what his father was hiding, it was Chubby. Even if the task seemed impossible, it was worth a shot.
As they arrived at the vineyard, Alexander noticed Eric’s car parked outside. His mood soured instantly at the sight of Eric, who was grinning widely.
“Hey, what’s with that gloomy expression?” Eric teased as Alexander stepped out of the car. “Are you still sulking p>
Alexander scowled. “And what’s with you, all smiles like that p>
Eric’s grin widened. “I’m just glad, is that a crime? Honestly, I’m grateful you ended up married to someone like Rain. Could’ve been worse p>
Alexander shot him a look. “Hah, weren’t you the one badmouthing her before? You should be glad I didn’t tell her all those things you said about this marriage p>
Seeing Eric gulp, Alexander pressed on, “I remember you saying I shouldn’t stay married to her—that she might be using me as a substitute to get over her ex. You even warned me not to become her rebound! You were the one who said something felt *off* about her, and that she might try all sorts of things in those four months p>
Eric laughed and raised his hands in surrender. “That’s true! But I take it all back now. She’s… well, she’s great p>
Alexander rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the faint smirk tugging at his lips.
“You do realize you’re overreacting, right? It’s not like you,” Eric pointed out, his tone light but firm. “I’ve never seen you act like this when I interacted with Carla. What’s the difference now with Rain p>
Eric’s words hit a nerve, and Alexander felt a wave of discomfort wash over him. He knew his friend was right, but that didn’t make it any easier to swallow. “That’s enough,” Alexander snapped, pushing the unsettling thoughts aside. “Let’s focus on the winery and vineyard p>
They walked in silence to the office, where they were greeted by Lucian, Alexander’s cousin from his mother’s side. Lucian’s surprise was evident as he said, “I didn’t know you were visiting today. Should I call Mother p>
“No need. I’ll check in on Aunt Maria later,” Alexander replied briskly. “For now, Eric will go over the management issues with you. Listen carefully and follow my instructions. From now on, I’ll personally oversee the winery and vineyard. Report everything directly to me, not my father p>
Lucian nodded, though he couldn’t help but ask, “What happened to Attorney Clayton? She seemed more than capable p>
Alexander’s jaw tightened. Once again, Rain had caught the attention of yet another man. He could sense Lucian’s curiosity, and it irritated him more than it should have.
“I mean, she’s already reviewed everything and even interviewed the workers,” Lucian added. “She seemed to have wrapped everything up that day. The last thing she told me was that she’d get back to me after discussing it with Uncle Rock p>
“She had a mild concussion, but she’s already passed everything on to me,” Eric smoothly interjected before Alexander could respond.
“I see,” Lucian said, then hesitated before adding, “I accidentally lost the calling card she gave me. Is there any way I can contact her p>
“She’s recovering well, but there’s no need for you to contact her,” Alexander replied curtly, his voice cold. “Any business you need to discuss can go through me from now on p>
Lucian blinked, slightly taken aback by Alexander’s tone, but he quickly masked his surprise with a polite smile. “Of course, cousin. I didn’t mean to overstep p>
Eric, sensing the tension, smoothly changed the subject. “Let’s focus on the management issues for now. We’ve prepared a detailed plan to streamline operations at the winery and vineyard. I’ll walk you through the key points p>
As Eric launched into his explanation, Alexander couldn’t help but feel an odd mix of possessiveness and frustration bubbling up inside him. It wasn’t like him to get so worked up over something as trivial as a cousin showing mild curiosity, yet here he was, irritated beyond reason.
Alexander’s thoughts drifted to Rain and the way she smiled, proud and satisfied, as he finished the beef stew she’d made for breakfast. She had even paired it with rice and an avocado quinoa salad, insisting, “You should eat like a king for breakfast!” Normally, he wasn’t one to eat much in the morning, but something about the way she said it made him indulge.
Before he realized it, a smile tugged at his lips.
Lucian, noticing Alexander’s uncharacteristically dazed expression, raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on with him?” he asked, turning to Eric with curiosity.
Eric smirked, shaking his head. “I think Cupid finally hit him hard this time