Chapter 9 As soon as William spoke , everyone in the room was floored . Everyone knew how much these two kids couldn't stand Stella . Alexander raised an eyebrow and looked down at him . " Daniel , what are you up to now ? " This morning , he threw a fit about running away and kicking Stella out , and now he wanted to keep her ? That quick flip was definitely fishy . Sophia caught on to William's plan right away . Kicking Stella out wasn't the goal ; it was better to keep her around and mess with her as they pleased . She chuckled and then played the obedient card , tugging on Alexander's sleeve and nodding at him . Alexander crouched down in front of her and asked patiently , " Amelia , do you want to keep Stella too ? " Sophia nodded again . " Can you tell Daddy why ? " Alexander coaxed her . Sophia looked down , fiddling with the little toy on her clothes , staying silent . William jumped in , " Daddy , we were wrong before . We shouldn't have just thought about ourselves . We should think about you and Grandma . Let's keep Stella . You don't have to worry about things at home . Just go to work . " His words caught Alexander off guard . He picked him up , gazing at the little face that resembled a miniature version of his own , and smiled . " It's good you know you were wrong . Don't try to run away with Amelia again , got it ? " " Okay . " William nodded obediently . " Then take Amelia to play . " Alexander put him down . He had wasted a lot of time looking for them today and was about to head to the office when Bertha called out , " Alexander , wait a sec . " " What is it ? " " I heard Helen is going to the Johnson Group's banquet tomorrow . Has she decided to team up with them ? " Bertha asked . Alexander didn't answer right away . He thought about the call he got at the hotel . When the Smith Group had previously invited CLOUD to 3 : 30.8m Chapter 9 collaborate , they had turned it down flat . He found it odd . Most companies were dying to work with the Smith Group , and it was rare for someone like CLOUD to refuse so bluntly . But today , their rep suddenly called , wanting to talk face - to - face . He figured he needed to dig deeper into this CLOUD design studio . " What are you thinking about ? " Bertha tugged on his arm . " I'm talking to you . " " Why do you care about her ? " Alexander dodged her question . " I heard Helen is not just one of the founders of CLOUD but also a world - renowned miracle doctor . If you're going tomorrow , take Stella with you . Helen , being an international doctor , will surely fix Stella's leg . " Sophia , who was already half - asleep , thought she misheard Bertha . ' What ? Are they nuts ? She kicked Mommy out of the Smith family back then , and Stella framed and hurt Mommy . Now they want Mommy to treat her leg ? ' She had never seen such shameless people . They must be out of their minds . Alexander frowned slightly , his tone annoyed . " I'm going for business . " He always stuck to the rule of keeping business and personal stuff separate . Moreover , even if he were to ask Helen for treatment , his precious daughter would come first . " So what if it's business ? It doesn't clash with seeing a doctor . Besides , we're not asking Helen to treat for free . With money on the table , why wouldn't she be willing ? " Bertha said confidently . Alexander was about to speak when Bertha continued , " And if it weren't for that wretched Monica interfering back then , Stella would have married into the Smith family . After all ... " " Mom ! " Alexander cut in sharply . " Don't bring up that name again , and I don't want to hear any of you talking trash about her ! " Even though he didn't like Monica , he couldn't allow her to be insulted in front of their kids . " You ... " " Forget it , Mrs. Smith . " Stella quickly grabbed Bertha's hand , looking all pitiful . " I know you mean well , but please don't argue with Alexander because of me . It's not worth it . " " How is it not worth it ? " Bertha then looked at Alexander . " Are you taking Stella or not ? " She looked like she was ready to throw a fit if Alexander didn't take Stella . 2/4 Chapter 9 Alexander was getting fed up . " Fine , I'll take her . " He glanced at Stella , his tone icy . " I can take you , but I have my own business to handle . Whether Helen treats your leg or not , that's on you . " Stella's eyes immediately welled up . " Alexander , I ... " " Enough , I have things to do . " He cut her off impatiently , reminded his kids to behave at home , and then left . Stella turned and threw herself into Bertha's arms , crying , " Mrs. Smith , am I causing trouble for Alexander ? He seems to really dislike me . " " No , don't overthink it , " Bertha comforted her . The kids watched this scene , almost wanting to gag . Stella's acting was way over the top . She should have been an actress . William deliberately coughed , and Bertha finally noticed the siblings still standing there . She didn't care much for Amelia , but she doted on Daniel . She pushed Stella aside and walked over to him . " Why did you run off ? What if you got lost or ran into bad people ? How would I live if something happened to you ? " She reached out to hug him . William stepped back , avoiding her hand . " What's wrong ? Are you hungry ? Grandma will have the kitchen make something for you . " " No , I'm tired . I'll go to my room . " He dodged her enthusiastic embrace and took Sophia upstairs . " This little guy is becoming more and more like his father , " Bertha said helplessly but fondly . Stella looked at them with a venomous gaze . If it weren't for them , she and Alexander wouldn't have been delayed until now . One day , she would get rid of them . " Stella . " Stella heard Bertha calling her and immediately turned around , putting on a compliant face . " Mrs. Smith , what's up ? " " Don't worry , I'll help you . Go home and get ready . Tomorrow , you need to look stunning and go with Alexander . " " Thank you , Mrs. Smith , " Stella said sweetly . 3/4 Chapter 9 On the other side , Alexander returned to the Smith Group . " Joseph , I need you to look into someone for me . "