Chapter 12 The Strategic Retreat

1/8

Eloise's first day of preschool was treated with more ceremony than a college freshman orientation, at least where Caroline and Alistair were concerned.

Early that morning, Caroline dressed her in a pretty,

comfortable long-sleeved floral dress, carefully braided her hair, and pinned it with sparkling crystal clips. Together with Alistair, they escorted her to preschool.

They deliberately arrived early, and were greeted by both the principal and Eloise's teacher, who personally came out to welcome her.

When Alistair saw the teacher, he secretly breathed a sigh of

relief. She wasn't from Daniel's class.

Thank goodness.

Daniel was thoroughly spoiled and completely out of control. Alistair was summoned to school at least twice a week-either to hear complaints about Daniel's unmanageable behavior, or to grovel and apologize to the parents of children he'd bullied.

Day after day, he kept bending over backwards for the other parents, never standing up for himself.

He had no authority to discipline Daniel, while Rebecca, who never had to face the cold stares and anger from other parents,

Chapter 12 The Strategic Retreat

couldn't be bothered to take Daniel's misbehavior seriously.

2/8

If that little monster had actually been Alistair's biological son, he would have spanked him ten times a day until he learned to behave.

If Eloise had ended up in the same class as Daniel, Alistair would definitely have suggested that Caroline request a transfer to another class.

Eloise was a sweet little princess who wouldn't hurt a fly. If Daniel ever bullied her, Alistair would never let him hear the end of it!

After forgetting to pick up Daniel on the first day, Richard seemed determined to make amends. He'd become noticeably more attentive to Daniel, even volunteering to take him to preschool despite his rush to get to the office.

To be fair, relying on Rebecca to get Daniel to school would probably result in him being late every day.

She'd grown accustomed to her carefree lifestyle without responsibilities, with no concept of time and sleeping in until whenever she naturally woke up.

Daniel suddenly turned his head, staring in a particular direction. "Daddy! I think I see Daddy over there."

Richard followed his gaze to where a man was ducking into a Maybach. His profile looked somewhat like Alistair's.

Chapter 12 The Strategic Retreat

could it possibly be Alistair? He's nothing but a pathetic,

saw Daddy! That

do your mother and I have to tell you? I am your

3/8

absolutely drained today," Cordelia said, eyeing her

face quickly shifted from worry to anger. "What is Alistair thinking, letting you

him right now and tell him to come over. I need to

sleeping for two days straight, Rebecca was

as perfect as Alistair's cooking, which

her meals for years before moving out. The familiar flavors

Vivienne, she

12 The

4/8

secretly planning his exit strategy made

standing in front of her right now,

on keeping that child in your belly, determined to bring Danny into the world-your father and I would never have accepted him!" Rebecca's relationship with Alistair had shocked everyone when it first happened. They weren't just from different social

of, but her

him.

his modest circumstances, your father and I reluctantly accepted him. But what's going on with him now? Does he think that since the child is older and you're not going anywhere, he can start slacking off?" Cordelia's endless chatter was getting on Rebecca's

T 0185 101 1omondiums

The

5/8

Alistair irritated her.

to tear him to pieces to ease

we please stop talking about him?" Rebecca finally

sentiment behind Rebecca's words, misinterpreted them as a defense of Alistair and

nagging would make her lose control of the anger bubbling up inside her, Rebecca decided to call Anne to go

I bet she's just cozying up with some

was less analysis and more gossip. She never missed

criticize or belittle Vivienne and

it was purely superficial. Anne couldn't stand

to stay in touch to maintain family connections. Otherwise, they wouldn't

don't understand." Anne continued,

The

6/8

high and mighty? So why is she so

help thinking that Alistair wasn't exactly

other women.

Suddenly she felt annoyed.

Vivienne

warned thoughtfully, "if you ask me,

what Alistair wants."

you mean?" Rebecca asked,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255