Chapter 76

Alice kept nodding like a bobblehead.

Garrett made sure no one was lurking outside, then quietly shut the door. He plopped down on the sofa and whispered to Alice, "It's not just about handing over cash. We need to team up with Paragon Industries Group for a long-term deal. It's way cheaper than just covering the losses. You know, Mr. Bailey's a sharp guy; he knows how to pick the best option."

When David got back to the office, Garrett was already gone, and the food on the table was neatly covered. Alice was sitting cross-legged, nibbling on a fork, frowning as she texted, clearly interrupted by the door opening.

She spotted David right away, dropped her phone, and ran to him, dragging him to the sofa.

David looked confused and was about to ask something, but Alice knelt beside him and gently pounded his shoulder with her tiny fists.

David's first thought was that Alice had caused some trouble again. He scanned the office, his eyes finally landing on the dining table. He narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "What did you do this time?"

"Nothing," Alice said, still massaging him. "I saw you working so hard and just wanted to help you relax. Plus, I haven't eaten yet; I was waiting for you, Baby."

David asked, "What do you want from me?"

"Nothing, really."

"Do you need some spending money?"

"Nope, not that either."

David frowned a bit, pulled her hand down, and said seriously, "Then why are you calling me Baby?"

Alice thought, 'Isn't it obvious? I'm trying to butter you up.'

She had learned from Garrett that David was hesitant to work with the risky Paragon Industries Group. Marcus, with his thrill-seeking nature, had gotten hooked on high-risk profits after a few lucky breaks, which was a big no-no in business. If it weren't for Marcus's influential family and being Lucas's son, few would risk working with Paragon Industries Group.

Because of her, David not only took on the responsibility but also signed a long-term deal with Marcus, which made her feel pretty guilty. So she tried to make it up to David.

Since he liked being called Baby, she called him that. Who knew he'd think she wanted money or a favor?

Alice was so mad she couldn't speak for a moment. After a brief pause, she moved to the other side of the sofa, and said angrily, "Let's eat!"

David replied, "I have to work late tonight. I'll have the driver, Preston Stewart, take you back to the Tudor Mansion first, and I'll come to get you after work."

Alice nodded. "Okay."

David hesitated, glanced at Alice, but decided not to ask further to avoid making her mad.

At 3 p.m., Preston showed up right on time. After seeing Alice off, David got back to work.

On the way to the Tudor Mansion, at an intersection, Alice suddenly said to Preston, "I want to go to Paragon Industries Group."

Preston was surprised but agreed. When they got to the Paragon Industries Group building, Preston felt uneasy and stuck close to Alice.

Despite the security downstairs, Alice marched into the lobby and headed straight to the reception, asking to see Marcus.

The receptionist politely asked, "Do you have an appointment?"

Alice replied, "No."

The receptionist said, "I'm sorry, but without an appointment, we can't arrange a meeting with Mr. Bailey."

Alice casually placed her left hand on the reception desk, her fingers tapping lightly, and said nonchalantly, "Tell Marcus that Alice wants to see him, right now, here."

The receptionist gave her a suspicious look, seemed a bit impatient, but still called Marcus's secretary, Anouk Murphy. "Ms. Murphy, there's someone named Alice at the reception wanting to see Mr. Bailey. Okay, okay!" The receptionist hung up, her smile gone. "Mr. Bailey doesn't know you and won't see you. You should leave. Not everyone can meet Mr. Bailey!"

"Did you ask Marcus himself?" Alice chuckled, "Can a secretary make all the decisions for the boss?" With that, she turned and headed for the elevator.

The receptionist panicked, hurriedly chased after her, and shouted, "What's wrong with you? No appointment, no meeting with Mr. Bailey! If you don't leave, I'll call security!"

Alice stopped, pointed at the receptionist, and Preston understood, stepping forward to pull the receptionist aside.

As soon as she was pulled away, the receptionist shouted loudly, "Security! Someone's causing trouble here! Hurry!"

The security at the door rushed over, and Preston struggled to hold them off until Alice got into the elevator. He then collapsed to the ground, thinking he should suggest to David that he should assign more bodyguards to protect Alice or get a more agile driver for her. His old body couldn't handle this kind of stress anymore.

Alice didn't know Marcus's exact floor, so she randomly pressed a button. Upon arrival, she asked an employee for the office location and went straight there.

Alice stepped out of the elevator, the conference room was close by. She turned left, passed through a glass door, and entered the secretary's office.

The secretary approached and politely asked, "Hello, how can I help you?"

Alice glanced at her indifferently, bypassed her, and walked straight to the office.

Garrett saw this and, with a hint of panic, quickly intercepted Alice. "Excuse me, who are you looking for? Visitors are not allowed here. Please come with me to the reception room."

"I want to see Marcus. I'm his daughter." Alice gently avoided the secretary, walked to the office door, and pushed it open without knocking, never expecting to see such an erotic scene inside.

A disheveled woman was sitting on Marcus's lap. She screamed, quickly covered her exposed upper body, and hurriedly got off his lap, fastening her clothes with her back to the door.

Marcus's face showed a flash of anger when he saw Alice, but he held back because of the present others.

"Leave us," he coldly instructed the secretary who blocked Alice. The secretary, blushing, immediately stepped aside and returned to her desk.

Marcus glared at Alice, suppressing his anger, and growled, "Why are you standing at the door? Come in!"

As Alice stepped over the threshold, Marcus barked, "Close the door!"

Once the door was closed, Alice leaned against the wall, arms crossed, looking at Marcus with a half-smile. "Dad, are you cheating?"

Marcus's eyes widened, glaring at Alice. "So what? Are you going to tell Juniper?"

"No." Alice shook her head. "Why would I tell her?"

She didn't like Juniper anyway. This "good news" of Marcus cheating was something she wanted Juniper to discover on her own. She didn't want to be the one to report such a nasty thing.

By now, the woman had tidied up her clothes and turned to glare at Alice. She was beautiful, with exquisite makeup and a sexy figure. No wonder Marcus couldn't resist her.

"Lucas, who is she?" The woman placed her hand on Marcus's shoulder, full of anger.

Marcus replied, "My daughter."

The woman was surprised. "Is she your other daughter, Alice?" She couldn't help but look Alice over a few more times, then asked suspiciously, "You really won't tell Juniper about us? You know, every time Celeste saw me, she reported to Lucas, trying to get him to fire me, afraid I'll take their stuff!"

Alice nodded. "Miss, I really won't say anything. Since you've been with my dad for a while, you should have heard my story, right?"