Chapter 28 The Resentful CEO 1/7 Thanks to Rebecca , Alistair - at the young age of twenty - four , in the prime of his life - had no desire for sweet romance , let alone marriage and children . He lived as ascetically as a monk . He had resolved to spend the rest of his days alone . At least , that was his current mindset . Yet , contradictorily , he still yearned for the warmth of family . Caroline saw straight through him , reading the desolation in hist gaze . This is perfect . Since he has no interest in women , being this close gives me an advantage . It's only the beginning - there's still a long way to go . Caroline silently vowed to succeed in breaking into Alistair's heart . For now , she decided not to overanalyze why she was so inexplicably drawn to him . Chapter 28 The Resentful CEO 2/7 I'll figure it out eventually . For now , I'll follow my instincts - I want to indulge myself just this once . Though Alistair had no romantic desires , he was still a young man in his prime . The deep night, the quiet space filled with a faint , intoxicating fragrance , and the presence of a soft , alluring beauty - even as a gentleman with no untoward impulses , he couldn't help but feel slightly unsettled . For the first time , he wished Eloise hadn't gone to bed so early . With her around , he'd feel much more at ease in Caroline's presence . That marriage certificate hadn't changed his status as an employee . No matter how awkward he felt , he had to endure his boss ' questioning . The problem was that he wasn't much of a talker . After discussing Eloise , he had no idea what else to say . Caroline sipped her water , lost in thought , while Alistair sat stiffly across from her , barely daring to move . " It's getting late . Let's call it a night . " Caroline finished her water and stood first . Alistair exhaled in relief . As she passed him , Caroline suddenly stopped . Alistair nearly bumped into her . Chapter 28 The Resentful CEO 3/7 His gaze accidentally slipped past her collar , catching a glimpse of smooth skin and delicate collarbones . Lower , the fabric of her sleepwear obscured the view , but the soft , perfect curves beneath were still faintly outlined . Alistair quickly averted his eyes . Even though he hadn't seen anything explicit , he still felt guilty . " Oh , right . Every Saturday , I take Eloise to visit my grandmother . You should come with us tomorrow . " Caroline remained oblivious to his discomfort . Alistair nodded . " Of course . " She turned to face him fully , her tone playful . " Then , Mr. Harlow , I'll be counting on your cooperation tomorrow . " " No problem . " " Good . Well then , goodnight . Sweet dreams . " Caroline pushed open her bedroom door and stepped inside- only to reappear two seconds later . She fixed Alistair with a stare so full of quiet resentment that he nearly took a step back . His hand already on his own doorknob , Alistair asked , " Is there something else ? " Chapter 28 The Resentful CEO 4/7 " Yes , " Caroline huffed . " I said goodnight to you . Shouldn't your return the courtesy ? " Alistair flushed . " Sorry , I forgot . " " It's fine . I forgive you . " He couldn't help but smile . Ms. CEO is surprisingly easygoing . Caroline continued staring at him expectantly . After a brief moment of confusion , Alistair caught on . " Goodnight . Sweet dreams . " Caroline muttered , " That's more like it , " before finally retreating into her room . Alistair entered his own bedroom , closed the door behind him , and stood there for a long moment before suddenly laughing to himself . The icy CEO can actually be kind of cute in private . He washed up , changed into soft pajamas , and flopped onto the plush bed , closing his eyes . Two seconds later , they snapped open again . Caroline invited me to her grandmother's place . Does that mean Chapter 28 The Resentful CEO I might meet a lot of her relatives ? 5/7 **** Richard received a call from Rebecca , instructing him to pick up Daniel and head straight to Whitfield Manor . He'd been irritated by her earlier reluctance to make their relationship public , but this call lifted his spirits . I knew Rebecca wouldn't keep me hidden forever . His plan was simple - charm Rebecca's parents , marry her , and take over as heir to Whitfield Group . They only have one daughter . Eventually , everything the Whitfields own will be mine . His good mood peaked when he saw Alistair . He'd assumed Alistair had been struggling since being kicked out . He must be here to beg for scraps from Rebecca . But Richard hadn't expected that after the peak , there would be a nosedive . First , Alistair's composed demeanor irritated him . What right does a penniless loser have to act so aloof around me ? Chapter 28 The Resentful CEO Then , his own son still called Alistair " Dad . " Richard gritted his teeth . It's understandable - Alistair raised Danny for five years . Of course , the boy would feel attached . 6/7 I'll just make sure they don't see each other again . Kids forget quickly . But the final straw was realizing Alistair wasn't here to beg- he'd arrived in a luxury car to pick up another girl . Custom - tailored clothes , a high - end vehicle - far from destitute , Alistair looked like he was thriving . Daniel's lingering attachment to Alistair sent Richard's temper skyrocketing . He roughly hauled the boy into the car and unleashed a torrent of scolding . The once - unruly little demon had become his punching bag . " If you keep crying , I'll tape your mouth shut . " Daniel , frightened by his dark expression , choked back his sobs . Richard saw this as the perfect opportunity to make Daniel forget Alistair . " Are you stupid ? He's not your dad . Did you see it ? He has a daughter now - he doesn't want you anymore . " Chapter 28 The Resentful CEO 7/7 Daniel's lips trembled , but one look at Richard's glare silenced him . " If you don't behave , your mom and I will abandon you too . We'll throw you out on the streets to beg . " Terrified , Daniel's chubby face turned red , but he didn't dare make a sound . Only after promising new video games and a trip to the amusement park did Richard finally calm him down . When they arrived at Whitfield Manor , Rebecca was nowhere in sight . Her parents sat on the sofa , their expressions unreadable . A nanny whisked Daniel away , leaving Richard alone with Rebecca's parents in the parlor .