Chapter 501: First Encounter with Thomas
Alaric fell silent after listening to their conversation, feeling as if he no longer recognized them.
In the end, he turned on the car's air conditioning. The two of them weren't cold anymore, but he was cold, and their conversation was more like mutual sarcasm than chatting.
“He played the driver the whole way and didn't say a word. Finally, they got to the fine dining restaurant.
Alaric, being a gentleman, opened the car door, holding Stellan's hand to help her out. When it was Gillian's turn to get out, it was clear she also wanted Alaric's help, but Stellan quickly extended her hand to her.
"Gillian, your shoes are inconvenient, be careful." Stellan mentiened gently.
Gillian wasn't too happy about it, but she reluctantly gave her hand to Stellan.
The three of them then went to the private room together. Alaric sat down first, with Stellan and Gillian on either side of him.
Once seated, Stellan suddenly became nervous. Although Alaric's biological father had passed away early, he had many people who cared for him. After Griffon left, Thomas came into his life.
But she knew Thomas was different. He was the one who brought Alaric into the military and was the person Alaric respected the most.
The first time she met Griffon, it kind of felt like meeting the parents, but back then they were not a couple. This time, it was real; Thomas was a soldier. Stellan could feel her palms getting sweaty.
"Dad!"
At this moment, Gillian stood up, calling out crisply.
With her heart racing, Stellan quickly stood up to look towards the door.
Alaric could obviously sense her nervousness and went over to hold her hand, which instantly calmed Stellan down.
"Looks like I'm late and kept you waiting." Thomas apologized as he walked in.
Stellan looked at Thomas and couldn't help but be impressed. He truly had the aura of a soldier, commanding respect without anger. Despite his age, he was in excellent spirits and condition.
"No, we just got here too," Alaric said, quickly introducing Stellan to Thomas. "Mr. Emberlyn, this is my wife, Stellan."
"Hello, Mr. Emberlyn." Stellan greeted politely, bowing slightly.
Thomas's gaze fell on Stellan, with a look that seemed to be evaluating his daughter-in-law.
"Ms. Storm, I've heard you come from a distinguished family. Indeed, your demeanor and appearance are exceptional. Alaric has good taste."
"Thank you, Mr. Emberlyn, that's very kind of you." Stellan quickly replied.
However, she wasn't sure if being from a distinguished family was a compliment anymore. The Storm family's case hadn't been cleared up, and the public still believed the Storm Group went bankrupt due to illegal activities, with Brennan committing suicide out of guilt.
"Everyone, please sit down. There's no need to be formal." Thomas comforted.
Alaric then pulled Stellan to sit down. Once seated, Gillian spoke first, "Dad, you really should visit Alaric's company. Nexus Innovations is huge, and Alaric is doing so well now!"
"Even without visiting Nexus Innovations, I know from the news. Alaric is capable, succeeding in both the military and business. I'm truly happy and proud of you for doing so well after leaving the military."
"Mr. Emberlyn, I owe it all to your teaching. All my achievements are thanks to you." Alaric answered.
"It's all your own hard work, nothing to do with anyone else." Thomas replied.
"Yes, Alaric is always so hardworking," Gillian said to Thomas. "Dad, you should talk to him. He values your advice so much. He's just recovered from a serious illness, but he's staying alone in a hotel and not eating regularly. I'm really worried about his health."
Hearing this, Thomas's expression immediately changed, making Stellan nervous.
"Gillian, is this true?" Thomas scolded Alaric. "You almost died before. Why aren't you taking care of yourself now?"
"It's not as bad as Gillian says. I do eat my meals on time, and staying in a hotel is for work. I'll be home soon," Alaric quickly explained.
"Your house is in Arizona. What kind of work requires you to stay in a hotel alone?" Thomas questioned seriously.
Stellan knew this was directed at her and quickly spoke up, "Mr. Emberlyn, don't blame Alaric. It's my fault for not considering things properly."
Hearing Stellan, Thomas looked at her. He could guess the reason without asking.
Seeing that Thomas was about to scold Stellan, Alaric quickly explained, "Mr. Emberlyn, this matter..."
"Alaric," Thomas interrupted, "I'm talking to Stellan right now."
Alaric had no choice but to swallow his words.
"Mr. Emberlyn, it was indeed my fault this time. I didn't take good care of Alaric. I'll accept any criticism." Stellan apologized.
Thomas utteed, "I'm not criticizing you, nor do I have the right to. You are a couple, and how you get along is your business. Some arguments are inevitable, but on important matters, you need to keep a clear head.
Alaric may be retired, but he has many enemies and attracts attention. You know his past and his illness. By marrying him, you should be prepared for this.
Knowing you're not an ordinary couple, how can you focus on trivial matters? Danger is always near, and you must stay vigilant. No matter how capable he is, he's just one person and can't be with you 24/7.
For a long and peaceful life, you can't rely solely on your kindness and his protection. You need to support each other."
Thomas had already heard the details from Tommy and was genuinely scared. Knowing that Alaric moved out of The Knight Mansion after the incident, he couldn't help but lecture Stellan.
"Mr. Emberlyn, you're right. I'll remember that," Stellan accepted Thomas' words humility.
"Mr. Emberlyn, the food is here. Let's eat and talk." Alaric quickly tried to break the tension.
"Sorry, I used to scolding people in the military. I can't change this habit even after retirement. My fault." Thomas said.
"No, Mr. Emberlyn, you're right. I've learned a lot," Stellan replied.
Seeing Stellan's dejected look, Gillian secretly felt pleased and then said to Thomas, "Dad, Stellan didn't grow up in the military. How could she handle such a situation? After this incident, she must be terrified so it's understandable that she couldn't take care of Alaric."
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