Chapter 26 The Two Fathers 1/6 Back in their teenage years , Alistair and Richard had clashed over their incompatible worldviews , and an unexpected incident had turned them into adversaries . Later , for two million dollars , Alistair had no choice but to bow his head in front of Rebecca . Every time Richard returned to the country , Rebecca would usually shoo Alistair away like a stray dog . Even sitting alone in a park on a freezing , wind - swept night had been a rare moment of peace for him . But on a few occasions , Rebecca had been unusually kind and let him stay . The three of them - Richard , Rebecca , and Daniel - would laugh and chat happily around the dining table , while Alistair silently bustled between the kitchen and dining room , ensuring their happiness ran smoothly . Unlike Rebecca's domineering attitude and Daniel's loud , disrespectful demands , Richard was always polite to Alistair , even occasionally inviting him to sit and eat with them . But Alistair could hear the undisguised mockery and disdain in Richard's tone . Now , meeting again , Richard still treated Alistair like the same pathetic loser he could ridicule at will . But Alistair was no longer the same man . Chapter 26 The Two Fathers 2/6 He met Richard's gaze squarely . " If you've got time to wonder why I'm here , maybe you should focus on keeping your wife in check . Do you even know she's been harassing me repeatedly ? If you knew and still let her bother me , then I can only admire . your generosity . Not only were you fine with letting your woman marry me , but you even let your son call me ' Dad . " " Seeing Richard's expression darken , Alistair added calmly , " If it were me , I couldn't stomach it . " Richard snorted , " Alistair , are you delusional ? Would Rebecca chase after you ? I should be thanking the heavens if you aren't clinging to her . Life must be tough without the Whitfields ' support , huh ? " His eyes lingered on Alistair's custom - tailored suit , and his jaw tightened . Why would Rebecca buy him such expensive clothes ? He doesn't deserve them . He looks well - must've gotten a hefty settlement from Rebecca . Richard's mood soured further . Even if you cover mud in gold , it's still mud . " You have no degree , no relevant work experience - your only skill is serving others . The money Rebecca gave you won't last forever . But I'm a man of principle . I could offer you a job , one that perfectly suits your … expertise . How about it ? " Chapter 26 The Two Fathers 3/6 All he's good for is serving people . Perfect . I know a wealthy , promiscuous woman who'd love someone like him - his looks and skills would suit her just fine . As they spoke , a teacher led Daniel out . Daniel had been let out early today , and the teacher accompanying him was Maggie , someone Alistair knew well . Maggie's warm , cheerful smile froze the moment she spotted Daniel's " old " and " new " fathers standing together , the air thick with tension . Even the usually carefree little troublemaker Daniel stood frozen , his eyes darting between Richard and Alistair in confusion . Richard gave Alistair a sidelong glance before smiling and beckoning to Daniel , " Danny , come here , son . " Daniel hesitated , glancing at Alistair , then shuffled toward Richard . Smug , Richard shot Alistair a warning look . " Stay away from my son . I won't tolerate this anymore . " Alistair replied coolly , " Richard , there's a fine line between . confidence and delusion . " Richard was convinced Alistair was just putting up a front . Chapter 26 The Two Fathers Daniel kept sneaking glances at Alistair , his small face full of uncertainty . Noticing his gaze , Alistair turned to him . In a tiny voice , Daniel murmured , " Dad … " Richard , assuming the boy meant him , patted Daniel's head affectionately . " How about we visit Grandma later ? " But Daniel was still staring at Alistair . " Dad … when are you . coming home ? " My real dad is nice , but I miss my old dad. Richard's smile vanished . 4/6 Though Daniel had given Alistair plenty of headaches over the years , Alistair couldn't bring himself to resent a five - year - old . That one word- " Dad " -flooded Alistair's mind with memories of Daniel as a newborn , wrinkled and tiny like a little monkey . His first word had been " Dad . " " Danny , from now on , call me Mr. Harlow or just Alistair . Don't call me ' Dad , ' okay ? " " Dad ! " Another bright , cheerful voice rang out . Alistair turned to see Eloise running toward him , her dress fluttering like flower petals . apter 26 he Two Fathers Maggie , who had been about to leave , gaped in shock . At first , she'd assumed Alistair had come to see Daniel out of lingering affection , only to accidentally run into Richard . 5/6 But now , with this little girl's appearance , she was completely lost . She called him dad ? Richard stared , stunned , as the girl threw herself into Alistair's arms , the two sharing a tender moment . So he really wasn't here for Daniel ? Since when does he have a daughter of Daniel's age ? Daniel stood frozen , as if unable to comprehend how his dad could suddenly belong to another child . " Dad , were you waiting long ? " Eloise asked sweetly . " You don't have to come so early next time . I can wait for you . " Alistair smiled , " It's fine . I just got here . " Hand in hand , they walked toward the parked car . Richard could only watch as Alistair helped the little girl into a Maybach by the curb , completely ignoring him and Daniel . Suddenly , Daniel wrenched free of Richard's grip and ran after them . " Dad ! Dad ! " Chapter 26 The Two Fathers That's my dad ! He can't be someone else's dad ! 6/6 Alistair had just settled Eloise into the car when he heard Daniel's cries . He turned to see the boy chasing after them . " Danny , I already told you . I'm not your dad anymore . Go to your real father . " He wasn't being sarcastic - just trying to make Daniel understand that he couldn't have two fathers . But Daniel burst into tears . After the past few days , he'd realized he still liked Alistair best . Alistair made him delicious food , played games with him , and told him bedtime stories . Even when he cried , Alistair never yelled - he'd comfort him gently . He wanted Alistair . " Daniel , get back here ! " Richard's lips twitched with fury . He strode forward , grabbing Daniel by the collar and yanking him back roughly . His sense of superiority over Alistair had just been shattered by his own son . Terrified , Daniel wailed , stretching his arms toward Alistair . " Dad ! Don't go ! "