Chapter 42

Before long, at the estate. “Emily, it's all my fault. Making you come all the way here, only for that brat to leave first—truly disrespectful.” Mr. Hawthorne looked at Alice with a face full of regret. “Don't worry. When he gets back, I'll make sure he hears a few words from me.” Alice had long stopped expecting anything from Alexander Blake, so naturally, she didn’t feel let down. His absence didn’t stir up any emotions—besides thinking he had a temper, she felt nothing else. She smiled sweetly yet calmly at the old man. “It’s okay, Grandpa. I was the one running late, sorry for keeping you waiting.” She carefully unwrapped the elegant packaging and set the gift before him. “These are the dark chocolate truffles from La Maison du Chocolat—your favorite. I hope you enjoy them.” Mr. Thornton, standing attentively behind the old man, couldn’t hide his smile as soon as he recognized the brand. “La Maison’s truffles are incredibly sought after. You must have waited quite a while to get th