Chapter 4

At seven in the evening, Ellis started fussing before bed.

I held her and paced back and forth in the living room, humming an off-key lullaby.

At eight, Morant sent a message:

"Meeting's running long, will be a while longer. You eat first, don't go hungry."

I didn't reply, just kept pacing.

Ellis's crying quieted down, turning into pitiful whimpers.

At nine-thirty, he sent another message:

"Had a few drinks with clients, won't be back that soon. Just go to sleep."

At eleven, I finally heard keys turning in the lock.

He pushed the door open and saw me sitting on the sofa. He froze for a moment:

"You're still up? Didn't I tell you to sleep?"

He walked toward me, trying to hug me. A faint, unfamiliar perfume scent wafted over.

I moved aside to avoid him. He looked awkward.

I got straight to the point:

"Let's talk about the overseas assignment."

He sat down and began explaining:

"Cedric, I know you were upset today."

"This assignment really was too sudden. I had no idea the company would arrange things this way."

I didn't respond, just looked at him.

Seeing my silence, he continued:

"Look, raising a kid is so expensive now. Education costs will be even more astronomical later."

"My current position isn't great—stuck in the middle, and the pay is just so-so. When I come back..."

He went on and on, painting a picture of his promotion and raise.

But I was too lazy to listen anymore. I asked him:

"Did you actively apply for this assignment?"

He froze for a moment, his eyes flickering briefly before returning to normal:

"How could that be? Of course the company arranged it. If I refused, wouldn't that make me ungrateful?"

"Is that so?"

I stared at him, my gaze sweeping across his slightly open collar, where there seemed to be some inconspicuous glitter.

"Are you going alone or with someone else?"

He turned his head, avoiding my gaze: "My secretary is going too."

His secretary was named Ilysis, a pretty young woman.

I understood, and smiled.

He was baffled by my smile and quickly changed the subject:

"Cedric, I know it'll be hard for you to take care of the baby alone. I've already thought it through—we can have my mom come help."

Hearing this, my heart sank.

This line...

Morant thought his idea was great, his voice brightening:

"My mom's still in decent health. She can definitely handle taking care of the baby."

"With her helping out, won't that make things easier for you?"

As he said this, his expression was frank and his tone sincere.

If I hadn't seen that post, I might have been fooled by his act.

The last bit of hope in my heart disappeared. It really was him scheming against me.

I didn't rush to expose him. Under his gaze, I gently nodded.

"Fine, then go."

Since he dared to scheme against me, he couldn't blame me for what came next.

Morant's face instantly lit up.

"Cedric, you really agree?"

He seemed to want confirmation, his voice barely containing his joy.

"Yeah."

I lowered my head, looking at my fingers twisted together, not wanting to see his nauseating expression.

"When are you leaving?"

"Next week! Next Wednesday's flight!"

He blurted it out, then seemed to realize he sounded too eager and softened his tone:

"The project timeline is tight, they're pushing hard over there. I wanted to spend more time with you and Ellis, but I really have no choice."

I smiled bitterly. He really didn't want to stay a moment longer.

"But," he leaned in closer, trying to hold my hand. I shifted slightly, avoiding him.

He didn't seem to mind and continued:

"I've arranged everything. I'll call my mom in a bit and have her pack up and come as soon as possible."

"Also, I told Torres that while I'm gone these three years, he should look after you two."

"If there's any heavy work, hard labor, or anything that needs a man's help, just ask him. He's my best friend, totally trustworthy."

I knew Torres—Morant's childhood friend who grew up with him.

They both joined the same company. Morant became a minor manager while Torres remained an ordinary employee.

He was pretty helpful. Morant mentioned him often.

I didn't know if this was part of his scheme.

But since he'd already made all these arrangements, how could I not go along with his wishes?

I said okay.

Morant breathed a sigh of relief, hugging me tightly and thanking me for understanding him.

This time I didn't avoid him. I rested my chin on his shoulder and sneered.

Morant, it was too early to thank me.