Chapter 515: Alaric, Your Opponent Has Arrived
The birthday party was already halfway through when Neil arrived with Tommy.
"Alaric, your rival is here," Cormac voiced to Alaric deliberately upon seeing Tommy.
Alaric hadn't expected Tommy to come, and seeing him put Alaric in a worse mood.
"Neil," Alaric greeted as Neil walked over.
"Alaric, that's not cool. You threw such a big birthday party for the kids and didn't even invite me?" Neil asked, sounding somewhat accusatory.
"Of course not. My intention was just to have a family gathering, inviting kids' classmates. I didn't expect so many guests to come; it wasn't intentional not to invite you." Alaric explained.
"I know, I was just joking. With your current status, it's hard to keep a low profile," Neil smiled. "I heard about it and came on my own to celebrate Caspian, Harry, and Elisa's birthday."
"Welcome, Neil. I hope you have a great time here today."
After talking with Neil, Tommy stepped forward, speaking slowly, "I came uninvited as well. I hope Mr. Knight doesn't mind."
"How could I?" Alaric uttered. "Tommy, I haven't had the chance to thank you in person for taking my wife to the hospital last time. It was really rude of me."
"It was nothing," Tommy replied. "How is Mrs. Knight doing now? Is she better?"
"She's better. She's in the inner hall preparing the birthday cake." Alaric answered.
"Glad to hear she's recovering."
"Alright, you guys chat. I'll go check on the three children" Neil spoke as he walked away. Cormac also tactfully left, leaving Alaric and Tommy to talk alone.
"Tommy, you're really at the peak of your fame now." Alaric joked to Tommy.
"Just lucky," Tommy replied. "I owe it to Mr. Emberlyn. If he hadn't vouched for me, my true identity would never have been confirmed. I've been particularly busy since I started this job. I wanted to thank him in person after things settled down, but Mr. Emberlyn left Arizona so quickly."
Alaric remained silent.
"Mr. Knight, my previous actions offended you, and I haven't formally apologized..."
"That's not necessary," Alaric interrupted. "You had a mission to complete, and I was part of it. Although it did make me very uncomfortable, for the greater good, I shouldn't be so narrow-minded. We can let bygones be bygones, provided you are truly a good person."
Tommy smiled slightly and spoke, "That's something time will tell."
"OK, let time prove everything."
"Today is your children's birthday party. I shouldn't talk about work to spoil the mood, but I know you don't want to see me. Besides today, I wouldn't have another chance to speak with you alone, so let me add something. I'm now in charge of Marigold's case. I've already discussed this with Mrs. Knight. Mrs. Knight wants to sue Hestia, who accused her. Given that Mrs. Knight is pregnant and busy, I completely understand and can wait. I can't say I have much power now, but because of my previous success, I can suggest to my superiors to delay closing the case. If Mrs. Knight wins, I'll immediately apply to close the case and won't investigate the testimonies of the two maids any further."
Tommy's words made Alaric's face change. The information in that statement was significant. Was Tommy trying to make Alaric grateful?
"Mr. Knight, don't misunderstand. I have no other intentions." Tommy quickly explained.
Alaric sneered. Tommy was indeed clever. He had included Alaric in his mission before, and now he had taken charge of this case. If things went as he said, Alaric would end up having to thank Tommy!
"No wonder you're considered a once-in-decades talent, Tommy. You're really something!"
"Mr. Knight, you're too kind. Compared to you, I'm nothing."
"Daddy!" Caspian, Harry, and Elisa called out to Alaric, "It's time to cut the cake!"
"Mr. Knight, you go ahead," Tommy said respectfully.
It was time to cut the cake, the most important part of the birthday party for their family of five.
"Excuse me, Tommy. I hope you enjoy yourself tonight."
Tommy smiled politely.
After that, the family of five cut the cake together, marking the climax of the birthday party. All the guests' attention was on them.
Gillian sat bored on the sofa, chewing on some sweets she had taken, watching them with envy.
Swallowing the sweets, Gillian went to the bathroom to touch up her makeup. As she walked out, she slipped on some water on the floor and was caught by Tommy before she fell.
"Careful."
"Thank you," Gillian voiced, looking up at Tommy with a sudden freeze. "I think I've seen you somewhere before?"
"At the hospital."
"Right," Gillian remembered. "What are you doing here? Do you know Alaric?"
Gillian had thought Tommy was just a stranger she happened to meet at the hospital, but it turned out he wasn't.
"I not only know Alaric, but I also know Mr. Emberlyn." Tommy replied.
"My dad?" Gillian was shocked. "You know my dad too?"
"Yes," Tommy explained. "Mr. Emberlyn is my benefactor. Without him, I wouldn't be able to wear my police uniform again."
"I remember now!" Gillian got excited. "My dad mentioned he came to Arizona to vouch for an undercover cop. That was you?"
"Yes, I'm Tommy. Nice to meet you, Ms. Emberlyn."
"Tommy? Aren't you quite famous now? I think I've heard your name."
"Not really, just some publicity for work," Tommy said gratefully. "I'm really thankful to Mr. Emberlyn. I didn't expect him to leave so quickly. I thought you went back with him."
"No, he's retired now. Being with him, he just nags all the time. I didn't want to go home with him, so I decided to stay in Arizona a bit longer."
"I see. Mr. Emberlyn has been very kind to me. I don't know how to repay him. If you need anything while you're in Arizona, feel free to ask me."
"Sure." Gillian agreed readily.
"By the way," Tommy smiled and then asked politely, "since there are many guests today, I heard there's going to be a dance later. Ms. Emberlyn, may I have the honor of a dance with you?"
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