Chapter 5: Chapter 5

The next morning. Anastasia prepared breakfast and headed to Alastor’s company.

Aware of Anastasia’s impending arrival, Alastor arrived at the office early, appearing quite weary.

While he was indeed tired, it wasn’t due to work.

“Did you have a rough night’s sleep?” Anastasia asked, her tone laced with concern. She approached Alastor and offered assistance with adjusting his tie. “Why are you pushing yourself so hard?”

Alastor was dressed in the same outfit as yesterday, likely out of concern that Anastasia might discern something amiss.

Anastasia’s lips curved into a gentle smile.

If Alastor was willing to great lengths to deceive her, it would only indicate that he had no intention of pursuing a divorce.

“I’m busy making money to support the family,” Alastor quipped, a faint smile gracing his face as if he were jesting.

Anastasia’s hands, in the process of adjusting Alastor’s tie, momentarily froze. “Family? Which family?”

she wondered.

“Alastor, this is the quarterly report. Felicia entered the office just in time, her deliberate attempt to provoke Anastasia evident in her demeanor.

“You may leave.” Alastor furrowed his eyebrows as he sternly ordered Felicia to leave.

Felicia shot a pointed glance at Anastasia, her gaze filled with provocation.

Anastasia observed the unfolding exchange between the two with a calm demeanor, her mind occupied by her own thoughts, “Alastor, I’ll be heading to Atharia on a business trip. There’s a museum exhibition happening there.”

Alastor set down the documents that were in his hand, a hint of displeasure palpable in his reaction.

“Didn’t we agree that you would avoid going on business trips whenever possible? Am I not capable of supporting you financially?” he voiced his discontent.

The idea of Anastasia making a public appearance bothered Alastor.

“Mr. Lexington approached me in person. It didn’t seem appropriate to decline, Anastasia explained as she walked toward Alastor, attempting to soothe his disgruntlement. She continued, “Darling, I’ll be away for three months. Can’t you take a day off and spend some time with me today? You’ve already worked overtime last night. The company should at least be a little considerate, right?”

Anastasia wrapped her arms around Alastor from behind, her fingers subtly venturing beneath the fabric of his shirt. The intimacy of her touch carried a blatant message.

Anastasia found out that Alastor had suffered from mysophobia after their marriage. Despite having high requirements for a woman, he seemed to make an exception when it came to Felicia.

Alastor took a deep breath and held Anastasia’s hand, which had been moving restlessly. “The year is coming to an end, and our company will be extremely busy.”

Anastasia smiled wryly, well aware of Alastor’s lack of interest in her.

“I see…” Anastasia knew that Alastor would never take a day off to be at home. In a feigned tone of aggrievement, she asked, “Have you heard about Mabel Cook and her husband going through a divorce?”

“Hmm?” Alastor was surprised. He wasn’t well–acquainted with Anastasia’s friends.

“You remember, she’s the wife of Mr. Cook from Quaid Group. We met them during a business meeting before. They’re quite affable. They have quite an age gap between them. I even commented at that time how it seemed a shame for a lovely woman to be paired with an older man,” Anastasia said, jogging his memory.

Alastor appeared somewhat indifferent and asked nonchalantly, “Why did they get divorced?”

“She said that her husband couldn’t satisfy her anymore. Eventually, she found a young hunk but was caught by her husband. It’s surprising, considering I thought they were genuinely in love,” Anastasia explained, letting out a sigh.

Alastor’s pen paused briefly in his hand. A shadow passed over his face as he pulled Anastasia into his embrace. “I’ll be home with you tonight,” he whispered.

Anastasia chuckled and said, “Don’t get me wrong. You’re nothing like Mabel’s husband. He’s old and useless. Now, let’s have breakfast before it gets cold. I purposely woke up at six in the morning and prepared it for you to rejuvenate your energy.” She opened the lunch box and took out the steaming soup, Anastasia had indeed mastered the art of seduction.

The sacrifice she made for the family was significant.

“I’ve prepared chicken soup that will provide a significant energy boost,” Anastasia stated with emphasis, her words held a subtle implication.

Unfortunately, Alastor seemed to have missed the implication behind her words. He held Anastasia with one arm and took the bowl of soup with another.

At that very moment, an assistant rushed in through the door with a sense of urgency. “Mr. Lopez, Felicia skipped breakfast this morning and collapsed due to low blood sugar!”