Chapter 989
Heather turned and returned to her room. She picked up her phone and texted Ralph: "Come to my room at nine tonight. I have something to tell you."
Ralph, drinking alone out of boredom, initially thought he'd misread the message. After rubbing his eyes to confirm, he practically leaped with excitement. "I knew it! Women don't always mean what they say. She told me not to get close or enter her room earlier, but she's changed her mind! Still, why the specific time? Is it something she can't say now and has to wait until nighttime? And why her room? It must be something she can't discuss downstairs."
He felt it was an invitation. How could a seasoned playboy like him misunderstand? He was ready to sprint upstairs, but a sliver of his usual good sense remained. No rush; Heather had extended the invitation. Her reserve was understandable, given her wealthy upbringing. He'd wait until nine o'clock. His earlier impatience vanished. He poured himself a glass of wine, gleefully draining it. He imagined wealth and women flocking to him. "Oh, just wait, Alex. I will pull you down from your position in the Russell family!"
A nearby Western restaurant, close to Alexander's villa, was sparsely populated that evening. He invited Lisa, Mike, and Nick to dinner. Lisa and Nick arrived with Lily, but Mike was late.
Lily called Alexander and told Lisa, "Let's not wait for them. We can order and eat while we wait."
Lisa nodded. "Okay. These men are always so busy; they don't even have time for their children."
"What about Nick? Are you the one always taking care of him? You and Mike..." Lily trailed off, looking meaningfully at Lisa.
Lisa nearly choked, quickly shaking her head. "No, no, no! How could I be with him?! I still have my job, and I only help Mike sometimes. Nick usually has a nanny."
"A nanny, huh?" Lily felt a pang of emotion as she looked at Nick. Having witnessed Helen's erratic behavior, she worried about Nick's well-being under his mother's care, especially with Mike's busy schedule. Lily knew she and Alexander needed to be better prepared for parenthood when their child arrived.
"I've grown up and can take care of myself. I can help with Dad's business in two years," Nick announced unexpectedly. He seemed to have matured quickly given his circumstances. He didn't speak much, but he understood everything.
Lily smiled fondly. "You're amazing!"
"He really is," Lisa added softly. "Nick wouldn't be willing to follow me if it wasn't for Mike's insistence. He's ambitious and wants to follow his father into business!" She felt a mixture of amusement and pity for the boy.