He hoped that his mom would never be able to see his other sides.
He paused for a while before he asked, “Mom, do you like Uncle Duke?”
Adina looked at him. “Why do you still call him ‘Uncle Duke’? He’s your dad, your biological father.”
“Sorry, Mom. I’m not used to calling him ‘Dad’ yet,” Alden said in a serious manner. “Mom, if you like
Uncle Duke, I’ll support your decision.”
Adina schooled her expression and asked, “What about you, Alden? Do you like him?”
Alden blinked. “Mom, I asked you first, so you should answer me first.”
“I guess I like him a little.”
Adina looked out the window in the dark and replied softly. That man was outstanding. He was more
excellent than all the men she had ever met. Such a remarkable man had treated her nicely, so she
could not resist him.
Besides, the man was her children’s father.
If she allowed herself to fall for him, it would only be advantageous to her and the kids. No matter how
she looked at it, falling for Duke was the solution for many things… “I like him too.” Alden flashed her a
smile. “I’ll like him as long as you like him, Mom.” Adina caressed his face. “Alden, you have to ask
yourself whether you really like him. Can you accept Duke as your father?”
“Of course!” Alden nodded without hesitation. “He likes Mel, and he likes you, Mommy. He also likes
me. Why wouldn’t I like him?”
Adina frowned slightly.
Why did she feel that Alden was not being sincere? But no matter what, she could tell that Alden did
not reject Duke entirely.
That was sufficient.
Alden pursed his lips and continued cleaning up. Duke was actually a great man. He did not oppose his
mom marrying Duke.
But the need for certainty existed in all humans.
Duke loved his mom now, but could he promise to have only one woman for the rest of his life?
Since that was not a guarantee, Alden had to look for a backup for himself and his mom.
He had to be strong enough. He had to be stronger than Duke. That way, Duke would not be able to
hurt his mom.
The next morning, Adina drove to her company after she sent the kids to preschool.
As soon as she arrived at her company, she met Mr. Roberts from the company next door.
Mr. Roberts’ secretary, who used to be rude toward her, was standing outside the elevator respectfully.
When he saw Adina walk out, he smiled and said, “Hi, Ms. Daugherty. Our companies have been
neighbors for so long, but we’ve never sat down and had a proper meal. Mr. Roberts would like to treat
you to a meal. May I know if you have the time?”
Serene walked over and stoically said, “I’m sorry. Ms. Daugherty has an appointment at noon today.”
Serene wondered where Mr. Roberts had hired this “top-grade” secretary. He used to look at Ms.
Daugherty with contempt and scorn as if he thought Ms. Daugherty had achieved everything because
of her beauty.
After the banquet yesterday, people like him probably understood that Ms. Daugherty relied on her own
ability. She was even more capable than Mdm. Jones from Jones Corporation!
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda