Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part 1/7 Richard clamped the wailing Daniel under his arm , shot Alistair a venomous glare , and stormed off to his car . Alistair turned back to see Eloise's pale , frightened face . Heart aching , he gathered her into his arms and patted her back . " Don't be scared . I'm here . " Eloise whispered , " Dad , I'm not scared . I have you to protect me . But that little boy's daddy is so mean . He's so pitiful . " Alistair chuckled . She really is a little angel , worrying about the little demon even now . He calmly got into the car , Daniel's cries still echoing faintly in his ears . That brat's been spoiled rotten - someone needs to discipline him properly . But what if he becomes Richard's punching bag ? He is Richard's biological son … Surely Richard wouldn't be that cruel ? Not that it's any of my business anymore . Compared to a son who could tear the house down , a sweet , thoughtful daughter is definitely better . " Dad , this is my favorite toy . Do you want it ? " Dad , have some water . " Dad , sit down ! Let me massage your shoulders ! " Dad , can I rub your legs too ? " 2/7 When Caroline returned home , she found her usually well - behaved daughter fluttering around Alistair like an eager attendant - kneading his shoulders , patting his legs , the very picture of devotion . She was baffled . Eloise is a sweet , obedient child . She'll massage my legs when I'm tired , hug me and say " Mommy , I love you , I'll always be with you " when I'm upset , and even bring me water and remind me to take medicine when I'm unwell . But this level of attentiveness ? Definitely not normal . She soon learned why . After dinner , while Alistair went downstairs to fetch a package , Eloise tugged at Caroline's sleeve anxiously . " Mommy , today a kid tried to steal Daddy from me . " Caroline immediately recalled that Alistair had a non - biological son attending the same kindergarten . Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part I should've transferred Eloise to another school . 3/7 Eloise's voice trembled . " That kid is so greedy . He already has a dad , but he still wants mine ? Even if Daddy used to be hist daddy , he isn't anymore ! Mommy , he's not a good kid ! " Caroline hugged her , smiling , " You said it yourself - he's not good . So your daddy won't like him . He won't be stolen . " Eloise sniffled . " But his new daddy isn't as good as mine . He'll want my daddy back ! " Caroline stroked her daughter's cheek , her heart aching . " Don't worry . You have me . I'll make sure Daddy stays with you forever . " Guilt pricked at her . Eloise is actually a deeply sensitive , insecure child . The fact that she's still afraid of losing him means I've failed as a mother . Alistair isn't just " important " to us anymore . He's family . An indispensable part of our lives . After Eloise fell asleep , Alistair decided he needed to talk to Caroline . He'd noticed Eloise's unease . Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part 4/7 Caroline sat by the floor - to - ceiling window , the glittering skyline of New York stretching behind her . She held a glass of water , her delicate skin glowing under the soft light . The top button of her coffee - checked loungewear was undone , revealing a glimpse of collarbone . At that moment , she wasn't the calculating , untouchable CEO -but neither was she some approachable next - door girl . Her innate regality set her apart . Even silent and still , she seemed to exist on some higher plane . She took a sip of water , her deep eyes studying Alistair . While he'd adapted easily to being Eloise's father , stepping into . the role of Caroline's husband felt far more daunting . As he struggled to phrase his thoughts , Caroline suddenly sighed , " I'm so jealous of you . " Alistair blinked , confused . " You've only known Eloise for a few days , yet she's already this attached . " Though she claimed envy , her tone and expression radiated warmth . " Carol , there's something I wanted to discuss , " Alistair said . Calling her " Carol " still felt unnatural- " Ms . Ashbourne " rolled off his tongue more easily , but that was too distant now . " My ex - wife's son attends the same kindergarten . I saw him today . " Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part He'd said " my ex - wife's son , " not " my son . " The distinction was deliberate . Caroline , knowing the truth , caught the nuance immediately . She nodded . " Eloise told me . " Alistair looked remorseful . " I'm sorry . She seemed really unsettled . My reassurances didn't help much . " 5/7 " Yes . She's terrified you'll abandon her . " Another sigh , " The best decision I ever made was bringing you into her life . These past few days , she's been smiling more than ever . A stable family environment is so crucial for a child's growth . " Alistair wholeheartedly agreed . Raised in a home devoid of warmth , he'd grown into a withdrawn adult despite his grandfather's love . Caroline frowned , " I'm thrilled Eloise is opening up , but I'm also … worried . " Alistair straightened , adopting the posture of a subordinate : awaiting instructions . Caroline suppressed a twinge of irritation . Why must he keep this distance ? His boundaries are perfectly reasonable - I'm the one being strange . It's like I'm possessed , obsessing over his every reaction . Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part 6/7 " Don't misunderstand - I'm not having second thoughts . I just worry you might … leave us too soon . " Yet Eloise's angelic sweetness and Caroline's respect had given Alistair a taste of heaven after years in hell . This newfound happiness sometimes left him uneasy too . What if Caroline one day met her true love ? However painful , he'd have to step aside . Alistair met her gaze . " First , I'm truly happy Eloise has grown . fond of me . If possible , I'd love to watch her grow up . " Caroline's heart leaped . Eloise is only five . Watching her " grow up " would mean over a decade together . There was something about Alistair - when he spoke , others believed him . " Don't make promises lightly , " she teased . " What if you meet your soulmate ? " Faced with this shrewd CEO , Alistair seemed guileless as blank paper . He smiled then - a smile tinged with a disillusionment toward . love he himself hadn't noticed .