Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard)

Chapter 12 The Strategic Retreat

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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.

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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

insisting, "I saw Daddy!

your mother and I have

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look absolutely drained today," Cordelia said, eyeing her daughter with

worry to anger. "What is Alistair thinking,

now and tell him to come over. I need to have a serious

for two days straight,

at her plate, thinking the food wasn't quite as perfect

had eaten her meals for years before moving out. The familiar flavors were practically imprinted in her DNA,

to Vivienne,

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to her face while secretly planning his exit strategy

standing in front of her right now, she'd make him

been so desperate to be with him back then-insisting 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

just young and naive, that she'd been taken advantage of, but her love-struck brain wouldn't listen to reason

him.

the years, I've come to see him as a decent, hardworking young man," Cordelia continued. "Even with 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

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thinking about Alistair irritated her.

to ease the rage in

we please stop talking about him?" Rebecca finally

behind Rebecca's words, misinterpreted them

the anger bubbling up inside

I bet she's just cozying up with some

analysis and more gossip. She never

criticize or belittle Vivienne and

stand Vivienne's air of

partners, they were forced to stay in touch to maintain family connections. Otherwise, they

don't understand." Anne continued, "Doesn't

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high and mighty? So why is she so fond

Alistair

side since he was eighteen, with no chance to be with other women. On paper, he was

Suddenly she felt annoyed.

Vivienne

ask me, you getting upset

what Alistair wants."

you mean?" Rebecca