Chapter 3

With a nonchalant tone, Eleanor remarked to Michelle, "We should conduct a paternity test." If the child had unmistakably resembled Alex, she might have let it go. But the child bore no distinct resemblance to him, making it difficult not only for her to believe but also to convince both Alex and the Ye family.

Michelle wasn't surprised by Eleanor’s suggestion; it was inevitable. However, the last thing she wanted now was a face-off with Alex. Hence, she replied, "Agreed, but let's postpone it." With a facade of maternal concern, she continued, "The child is ill and needs to recuperate." Eleanor merely hummed in agreement. Internally, Eleanor pondered, 'How does a paternity test interfere with the child's rest?' But she chose to keep these thoughts to herself.

Michelle was increasingly anxious to leave the Ye residence, suspecting that the man who had stepped out for a date (or perhaps a matchmaking meeting) was due back soon. Just as she was about to bid her farewell, Eleanor fixed her gaze upon her. "Miss Xia," she began, "Why don't you stay for dinner tonight?" Glancing at the clock, she added cryptically, “Alex should be back shortly."

Michelle was at a loss for words. The last thing she wanted was to dine with Alex. Gracefully, she declined Eleanor’s offer, saying, "Ah, that won't be necessary. I'd like to get Lizzy home for some rest." After all, Dr. Lu had stressed the importance of Lizzy getting ample rest, especially during her fever. Rest, she knew, was essential for the child's growth.

Eleanor smiled at her, her fingers still caressing her feline companion, without uttering a word. However, Michelle sensed a challenge in that gaze, as if saying, "I didn't quite catch that. Care to repeat?"

There was an implicit threat in the air; Michelle couldn't help but feel that if she continued to refuse, Eleanor might take some action against Lizzy.

It became clear to her: no member of these powerful families was ever straightforward. Even when she arrived with a child of unclear origins, claiming the girl was Alex’s, Eleanor had not only believed her but had also kindly summoned a doctor to attend to the child. Despite Eleanor appearing accommodating and not causing her any trouble before, Michelle was now wary.

With this realization, Michelle hesitated to decline outright. She began to question whether she could even leave with Lizzy today.

Sensing Michelle’s resignation, Eleanor called over the butler. In a somewhat distracted manner, she instructed, "Find out when Alex will return, and ensure tonight's dinner is on the lighter side." She cast a fleeting glance at Michelle and Lizzy before continuing, "Have the kitchen prepare some treats children might like. Oh, and arrange a guest room for Miss Xia for tonight."

Michelle was taken aback, as if a giant question mark was hovering above her head. She hadn't explicitly agreed to stay for dinner, let alone overnight. Feeling the need to voice her reservations, she began, "I..."

The butler, however, was the epitome of discipline. With eyes straightforward and focused, he promptly acknowledged Eleanor’s instructions. As for what Miss Xia was trying to say? It was as if he hadn't heard a word.

Once the butler had left, Eleanor turned to Michelle with a gentle smile and kindly said, "You're right, Lizzy needs proper rest now that she's unwell." She continued, "If you were to leave now, the journey might be tiring and could worsen Lizzy’s condition. Moreover, Dr. Lu lives nearby. Should there be any complications, we can reach out to him immediately."

Eleanor’s reasons for asking her to stay seemed logical and undeniable. Given that Lizzy’s health was in question, Michelle, as a mother consumed with worry for her child, felt compelled to stay.

With the immediate concern of Lizzy’s fever addressed, Michelle no longer feared the potential dangers of a high fever. What weighed on her now was how she would react and what she'd say upon meeting Alex. The nature of the relationship between Alex and “Michelle” was such a puzzle that even the original author hadn't figured it out. How could Michelle possibly know how to handle their meeting? Michelle thought to herself: This plot is a mess; I want out.

---------------------

On the other side, it had been an otherwise unremarkable day for Alex. He had finally sealed the deal on a project negotiation that had spanned two months, leaving him in high spirits. After signing the contract, he received a call from Eleanor, asking him to join Ms. Isabella Zhao  for dinner. Given his good mood and the belief that a meal wouldn't take up much time, he agreed. He had known Isabella since childhood, though they weren't close. In his opinion, they rarely found common ground in conversation. However, unbeknownst to him, Isabella harbored feelings for him and even hoped for a union between their families, often seeking opportunities to "foster their relationship."

While Alex wasn't particularly interested in Isabella, he wasn't averse to her either. He'd be amenable to a marriage that united their families. That noon, Alex took time out to dine with Isabella. After the meal, he even accompanied her on a shopping spree, buying her several luxury items – a clear indication of his "dedication." But the truth was, while accompanying Isabella, Alex’s thoughts were preoccupied with work; he was more passionate about his profession than any romance.

Through the rose-tinted glasses of infatuation, every facet of Alex seemed impeccable to Isabella. Even his indifferent demeanor was interpreted by her as an air of nonchalance, as if everything was inconsequential before him, exuding an irresistible charisma.

Isabella was undeniably beautiful, with bright, striking features and a superior aura. Her alluring eyes, always shimmering with emotion, had the power to ensnare many a man's heart. Given her family's significant wealth and influence, she was supremely confident about her relationship with Alex, thinking that there shouldn't be any obstacles to them dating and eventually marrying.

Although they weren't officially in a romantic relationship, Alex’s typically carefree attitude made her wonder if, in his mind, they might as well be. This thought brought a teasing smile to her glistening eyes, making them all the more captivating.

The always-busy Mr. Alex Ye, of course, remained oblivious to her musings. In his mind, having accompanied her for a meal and a shopping spree showed enough sincerity. Hopefully, the Zhao family wouldn't have any further complaints to air to his grandfather. Still, Alex didn't plan on spending the entire afternoon with Isabella, so after showing his goodwill, he courteously dropped her off at her office.

Although Isabella was reluctant to part, she didn't want to risk offending Alex. So after a brief chat outside her office building, she took her leave. As she ascended in the elevator, Isabella mused about how Alex had taken the initiative to drive her. This must mean he had feelings for her, she reasoned. Recognizing that Alex wasn't one to take the first step, she resolved to be more proactive.

Returning home that evening, Isabella decided she would discuss a potential union between the Zhao and Ye families with her grandfather.

---------------------

After finally dropping off Isabella, Alex, with work on his mind, promptly returned to his office to tackle the risk assessment analyses, which were as complex as advanced mathematical problems. Time always flew by when he was engrossed in his work, and by evening, a call from his butler interrupted him. The butler emphasized the word "tonight" when inquiring about his return. Glancing at the calendar on his desk, Alex remarked, "Today is Thursday."

Alex had a routine of dining with Eleanor and Sebastian at the Ye residence every Tuesday and Friday. Outside of those days, whether or not he returned home was up to his discretion. The butler's unusual inquiry made him assume there had been a mix-up, so he replied, "I'll come home tomorrow night."

Of course, the butler knew it was Thursday, but under the instruction of Lady Ye, he had to ensure Alex returned home that very day. Reframing the situation slightly, the butler explained, "We have guests at home today. The lady of the house would like you to join for dinner."

Upon hearing this, Alex immediately suspected that Isabella had lodged another complaint with her grandfather, who in turn had reached out to the elder Ye. He sighed deeply, regretting his decision to spend his afternoon with Isabella.

Recognizing the young master's thoughts, the butler quickly clarified, "It's not Miss Zhao, but rather a friend whom you might have forgotten."

Alex was taken aback. A forgotten friend? Although puzzled by this mysterious "forgotten friend," he agreed, saying, "Alright, I'll be back tonight." With that, he hung up and delved back into his captivating investment risk analyses.

The butler paused, somewhat dumbfounded. He had intended to ask what time Alex might be returning, but was cut off abruptly. It was evident that the young master was truly preoccupied. Still, the mere fact that Alex had agreed to return brought the butler some relief. Although it might be a tad inappropriate, he couldn't help but anticipate the evening's events. Feeling guilty for his eagerness, he mentally chastised himself, but his excitement for the night's unfolding scenes remained undeterred.

---------------------

At 6:30 in the evening, Alex returned to the Ye residence, right on schedule. All the way home, he pondered over the identity of this "forgotten friend." Despite mentally scrolling through a list of old acquaintances, no names seemed to fit. Perhaps he truly had forgotten.

As he entered the mansion, the staff greeted him warmly, but Alex, as always, remained indifferent. Only when the butler greeted him with a seemingly relieved, "Young Master Ye, you're finally back," did he give a faint acknowledgment.

The butler, sensing the need for a heads-up, advised, "Young Master Ye, no matter what you see tonight, try not to be too shocked."

Alex replied, "…Alright."

Internally, he mused that this "forgotten friend" must be quite something to warrant such a warning. With a straight face, he headed towards the dining room, the usual location for hosting guests. Given the butler’s urgency in calling him back, Alex had expected a significant gathering. Yet, he was met with just a handful of people. Only three, including Eleanor, and one was a child?

Surveying the unfamiliar woman and the young girl beside her, he was confident he didn't know this mother-daughter pair. Without showing any emotion, Alex calmly walked over, pulling out the chair next to Eleanor, facing the mysterious woman. "Hello, I'm Alex,” he introduced himself.

Observing the scene and her son's demeanor, Eleanor couldn't help but chuckle internally. Looking up, she introduced with a playful tone, “Alex, meet Miss Xia." She paused for a moment, her smile broadening, "And beside her is Lizzy Xia, your daughter."

Alex: "…Oh."