Chapter 170

Patrick Pope held his breath as Alexander Grant finished speaking.

His boss was known for his ruthless efficiency. This time, he meant business.

Patrick shook his head inwardly. That gold-digging woman deserved what was coming.

Though he hadn't investigated thoroughly, he'd heard she came from humble origins and had a child.

A single mother catching old Mr. Nash's eye? She must have used underhanded tactics.

Disgust twisted Patrick's features as he changed the subject.

"Boss, we've got Susan Thompson's file."

Alexander's expression remained impassive. A silent command to continue.

"She's twenty-two. Previously... married."

Patrick watched for any reaction.

To his surprise, not even a flicker of emotion crossed Alexander's face.

"Go on."

Patrick swallowed hard. "Her ex-husband was Andrew Lucas. Their divorce was finalized last month—on his wedding day."

Alexander finally looked up.

"Andrew Lucas?"

Patrick nodded vigorously. "Yes! And there's more..."

He hesitated before lowering his voice. "That mysterious woman from South Lake's rumors... The one Andrew buried with full widow's rites..."

"...was Susan."

Alexander's long fingers tapped the armrest.

Patrick ventured cautiously, "Boss, her past is complicated. You have... standards."

"I don't mind."

Patrick nearly bit his tongue. "You'd... become a stepfather?"

"Why not."

The car plunged into terrifying silence.

Patrick's grip on the steering wheel trembled.

Just as he thought the conversation was over, Alexander spoke again.

"She's worth it."

Three simple words that struck Patrick like lightning.

"Missing her past is my regret."

"But her future? I'll be there for all of it."

The car swerved as Patrick jerked in shock.

Catching his boss's eternal ice-king expression in the rearview mirror, realization dawned—

This was serious.

Meanwhile, in a hospital room.

The door creaked open. Candy Wilson "weakly" fluttered her eyelids.

"Vincent... Will I never see again?"

She covered her face with trembling hands, peeking through her fingers at Vincent King's reaction.

"The doctors say it's temporary."

Candy "brightened," clutching the sheets. "Really? That's wonderful!"

Then her face fell again. "But the garage incident..."

"I know I've made mistakes, I've been trying to atone. I never thought Susan would teach her child to do this..."

She studied Vincent's expression as she spoke.

"Vincent, you went to see them, didn't you? Please don't hurt them..."

Vincent cut her off. "Had enough acting?"

Candy froze.

"I met Susan."

"Almost gouged that child's eye out."

Joy surged through Candy, though she forced tears to her eyes. "He's just a child, please spare him..."

"Pity."

Vincent leaned down, locking eyes with her.

"I found out the truth."