Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard)

Chapter 19 The Temptation of Home

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Despite having Alistair looking after Eloise, Caroline still felt an urgent pull toward home. She finished her work as quickly as possible and rushed back.

Beyond seeing her precious Eloise, coming home now carried an additional temptation for her-Alistair.

Caroline couldn't figure out the reason, no matter how much she pondered.

Alistair was watching a cartoon with Eloise-a well-received animated film.

Even kindergarteners had homework, though the amount was so minimal it could be practically ignored.

Alistair and Eloise sat together on the sofa, barefoot, his large feet contrasting with her tiny ones.

Eloise cuddled against him dependently while Alistair casually draped his arm over her shoulders. Their eyes remained fixed on the television screen, wholly absorbed in what they were watching.

The scene was so heartwarming that Caroline unconsciously paused in her tracks, afraid her presence might disturb their

Chapter 19 The Temptation of Home peaceful moment.

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As she watched, Alistair seemed to sense something and turned his head toward her.

Eloise noticed Caroline and said, "Mommy!" in her sweet, clear

voice.

Caroline approached them. "Did I startle you?" she asked, directing the question at Alistair.

Alistair gave her a confused look.

Caroline's expression remained serious, showing no signs of teasing.

Perhaps my gaze had lingered on her a second too long?

Alistair was quietly annoyed with himself.

He hoped Caroline wouldn't think he was the type who couldn't tear his eyes away from a beautiful woman. And he certainly didn't want her to see him as some delicate flower who turned pale at the slightest disturbance.

Alistair instinctively wanted to protect his image before her, despite not usually caring what others thought of him. "Sorry, I didn't notice when you came in. I was just caught off guard," he explained.

Caroline glanced at him, then couldn't help but look again a few seconds later. Chapter 19 The Temptation of Home

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At first, Alistair found her behavior puzzling, but he quickly remembered what he'd done that afternoon...

Sure enough, Caroline said, "You look much healthier now, like before."

not

she

tell

exceptional ability with anyone, not even those

resting well these past couple of

his explanation without

decided to get pizza

a new place that had just opened, and everyone who'd been there

downtown plaza, so they wouldn't need to drive. After dinner, they could

the stairs with her cartoon bear purse slung over her shoulder, holding Alistair's hand in

19 The

weather had warmed noticeably after the

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a pleasant freshness and a subtle fragrance

and wife couldn't change the

them together would have left them

business for its grand opening. Fortunately, they had arrived early;

remarked. "Her restaurant is thriving. Among all the girls who grew

your daughter to struggle. Otherwise, Rebecca could have built an

who had already reserved a lovely table at the pizza place, walked in, surrounded by his entourage. His attention. was suddenly drawn

and smiled. "I was mistaken,"

*****

Temptation of Home

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asked her to bring the kids and Alistair home for a

knew that Cordelia inevitably wanted

in person.

had already kicked

her actions

Richard, she should have paid him off and asked him to continue

went alone that evening, not daring to

blurt out something like "I have a new daddy now"

at most another week. After that, she'd have

revealing the truth made

child. Their anger would be temporary. Even when she had

The Temptation of

about appearances and threatened to disown her,

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dinner with Cordelia, Nathaniel

be supporting Vivienne's restaurant today?"

Then, spotting Rebecca, he blurted out, "What are you doing here?

particularly sensitive to the name "Alistair" now. "Dad, you saw Alistair?" she asked

he wasn't with you, who

you didn't

head firmly. "My eyesight isn't that bad.

complicated look. "Rebecca, what's going