Chapter 17 The servant was taken aback by Alexander's words , voice shaking , " Mr. Alexander Smith , they are all in the room . They didn't let us follow , so we have no clue what they're up to . " Hearing they were okay , Alexander's face relaxed a bit . Just as he was about to head upstairs , another servant called from the door , " Mr. Smith , Ms. Brown is here . Should I let her in ? " " No ! " " Why not ? " Bertha's face twisted in annoyance . " You took her out and didn't bring her back , and now she's here , you won't see her? " " If you want to see her , go ahead . " " I haven't asked you yet , but you took Stella to see Helen for treatment today . How did it go ? Did she agree ? " Bertha's questions fell on deaf ears as Alexander ignored her and went upstairs without a glance back . He knocked on the door , pushed it open , and saw the kids inside . William was at the computer , reading a book , and Sophia was sprawled on the bed with a comic . Usually , as soon as he stepped into the villa , Daniel's loud voice would greet him , but today it was eerily quiet . And he was actually reading ? It made him sense that something had felt off these past couple of days . Since Daniel was quietly reading , Alexander didn't want to disturb him . Instead , he sat by the bed , picked up his daughter , and said , " Amelia , you shouldn't read lying down . It's bad for your eyes . " He sat Amelia on his lap , picked up her comic book , and gently said , " What are you reading , Amelia ? How about Daddy reads it to you ? " Sophia , used to Amelia's autism , didn't speak and just pointed to the title of a fairy tale . " Amelia likes " The Little Mermaid , ' huh ? Alright , Daddy will read it to you . " His deep , soothing voice filled the room , warm and comforting . William , sitting nearby , glanced over at Alexander's gentle demeanor with Sophia . He frowned . Alexander used to be so harsh and domineering with Monica , but now he was all soft with his daughter . Did he have a split personality or something ? 1/4 3:34 am Chapter 17 The next day , at Lakeview Bay . After breakfast with the kids , Monica reminded , " William , Sophia , Mommy's going to work today . Be good and listen to Linda , okay ? When Mommy gets back this afternoon , we'll go visit Mr. Thomas at the hospital . He'll be so happy to see you . " Amelia nodded obediently . Daniel grinned goofily . " Okay , Mommy, we will . You can go to work without worrying . " " Good . " Before leaving , she picked up Amelia and kissed her cute little face . Amelia smiled shyly and buried her face in Monica's arms . Daniel , not wanting to be left out, grabbed Monica's hand for kisses and hugs . Monica couldn't help but laugh and tapped his nose . " William , since when did you become so clingy ? " Despite her doubts , she couldn't help but adore her son . She squatted down , hugged him , and kissed his little face . Daniel laughed happily and gave her a big kiss on the cheek . " Goodbye , Mommy . " Only then did Monica leave the house and head to the company . On her first day at work , it was neither too busy nor too slow . Keeping up with Evelyn's tradition of early morning meetings , it was almost ten by the time the meeting wrapped up . Her assistant , Mia Wilson , came in and said , " Ms. Brown , someone from the Johnson Group is here . " Monica stepped out of her office and saw Michael's handsome face , along with his assistant . She walked up to him with a smile . " Mr. Johnson , let's head to the conference room . " Seeing she was alone , Michael couldn't help but ask , " Isn't Helen here ? " " Why , does she have to be ? " Monica teased with a playful smile . " Not necessarily . It's just that Helen is so mysterious . Everyone's curious about her . I can't help but want to meet her . " " Helen isn't here today , but I'm sure there will be chances in the future . Mr. Johnson , please . " Monica gestured for him to follow . Michael nodded and followed her into the conference room . 2/4 Chapter 17 Most of the cooperation details were settled at yesterday's party , so today was simply about signing the contract , which they did promptly . As she walked Michael to the door , to her surprise , she came face to face with Alexander . Joseph was standing behind him . Monica was immediately puzzled . This was her company , so what was he doing here ? Seeing her surprised expression , Alexander felt annoyed and ignored her . He asked Mia , " Where is Ms. Thomas ? Or Helen will do . " Mia smiled awkwardly. " Mr. Smith , please wait in the reception room . Helen will be here shortly . " Alexander nodded . Michael laughed . " Mr. Smith , you sure have some pull . I didn't get to see Helen when I came to sign the contract , but as soon as you show up , the treatment is different . " " Mr. Johnson , you're too kind , " Alexander said coldly . Hearing their conversation , Monica felt embarrassed . Afraid they would argue , she turned to Michael and said , " Mr. Johnson , I'm sorry . I'll treat you to a meal another day . " " Alright , I'll hold you to that , " Michael said with a grin . As Alexander was about to enter the reception room , he overheard their conversation and his face darkened . Treating someone to a meal ? Was she always this flirtatious ? After sending Michael off , Mia came out of the reception room and asked Monica , " Ms. Brown , how come Mr. Johnson doesn't know you're Helen ? " " He doesn't know . And neither does Alexander . You didn't let it slip , did you ? " Mia nodded quickly . " No. From your conversation , I figured they didn't know , so I didn't say anything to Mr. Smith . " Mentioning Alexander , Monica's mood soured . She asked , " What is Alexander doing here ? " " He didn't mention that . But I did tell him that Helen would meet him . Now that he doesn't know your identity , what should we do ? " " Don't worry about it . Go back to your work . " Monica dismissed her . Thinking about Alexander gave her a headache . 3/4 Chapter 17 Evelyn wasn't here today , and there was no one else to meet with Alexander . Monica thought for a moment and decided to head to the conference room . Chapter Comments LIKE Write Comments < SHARE 4/4