Chapter 617
“Well, 1…” Alex was trying to find the right words, but Carl jumped in and explained, “He’s a partner at this school now. And this is the new principal, Mr. Jensen.”
Ellie glanced at Alex, then at Barry, Barry quickly came over to explain, “Dr. Thompson, don’t get us wrong. Mr. Warren just bought a portion of JR Group’s stock, and I’m just here for a title.
Ellie shot a sharp look at Alex. In just a few days, he managed to buy shares in the internationally renowned JR Group. “You…”
“Totally legal and legitimate. He sold it to me voluntarily. I just got lucky, Alex quickly clarified, sensing Ellie’s sharp gaze before she even spoke.
Ellie glanced at the people in the office, gave a polite nod, and turned to leave. Seeing this, Alex hurriedly followed her out.
Barry was about to follow but was yanked back by Carl, who quickly locked the office door.
Barry pressed his back against the door, feeling the weight of the situation. Carl raised an eyebrow. “So, that woman–is she Alex’s girlfriend?”
Barry wasn’t sure how to respond.
Carl smirked. “Or a mistress?”
“Mr. Lancaster. I can’t explain everything in just a few words. You should ask Mr. Warren directly, Barry said quickly before rushing out the door.
I’m a businessman. Why wouldn’t I make more money if I could? I was just lucky to pick up the shares from Mr. Sheppard,” Alex said as he walked alongside Ellie down the hallway, sneaking glances at her expression.
“It’s fine. I was just asking.” With Alex’s shares, Ellié would feel better knowing her kids would be staying here. “Go ahead and take care of your business. I’ll just check on the kids and then head home,” Ellie paused as they reached a corridor.
“Sure, I’ll go with you to see the kids,” Alex said, tentatively lifting his hand to place it around her shoulder. Ellie glanced at him, and he quickly withdrew his hand, striding ahead toward the classroom building.
The kids were in class, and Ellie stood outside the window, watching them without interrupting.
“Let’s go, Ellie said, preparing to leave, but Alex grabbed her arm.
He asked, “Aren’t we waiting for them?”
Ellie noticed that Alex had stopped in his tracks, so she gave him a gentle push. Alex, with a resigned expression, followed her as they walked away.
“Mom!” Before they left, Betty suddenly ran out of the classroom, with Oscar chasing after her, accompanied by two teachers.
“Betty, you can’t run out of class like that. Why didn’t you follow the rules?” Ellie crouched down to Betty’s level.
Betty had her hands behind her back, speaking carefully, “Sorry, Mom. I just wanted to talk to him.”
Ellie glanced at Betty, then at Alex. “What did you want to say to him?”
Hearing Betty mention him, Alex couldn’t help but smirk. He squatted down and gently pulled Betty close. Betty suddenly pressed something into his hand, covering it with her tiny palm. Alex quickly understood what she meant and slipped the item into his pocket without hesitation.
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Chapter 617
“This is from my dad who’s gone. I want to give it to you. Will you be my dad?” Betty whispered into Alex’s ear.
Alex froze for a moment, then looked at Ellie. He turned back to Betty and replied, “Even if I’m not your dad, I’ll always have your back. Now go back to class.”
Watching Betty leave with a disappointed look, Ellie turned to Alex and asked, “What did she just say to you?”
At the elevator, Alex grinned at her and said, “She was trying to bribe me into being her dad.”
Ellie’s expression tightened. “Kids say the darndest things. Mr. Warren, don’t take it seriously,” she said, trying to sound calm.
Noticing the awkwardness in Ellie’s eyes, Alex’s eyes flickered. “Don’t act like you’re reluctant. I wouldn’t agree to be their stepfather even if you begged me!” He reached out and pulled Ellie into the elevator.
“Did Betty give you something just now?” Ellie asked again.
“No,” Alex responded, his tone sharp, losing the earlier warmth.
As they stepped out of the elevator, Ellie watched as Alex walked away without a glance. She frowned, thinking, ‘Why, after all these years, can’t he still control his temper?‘
Alex sat in the car, watching Ellie walk past him and drive off, his chest tightening in frustration. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small red drum, about the size of a palm, with a leather surface.
He shook it gently, and it produced a pleasant sound.
“Kids, what kind of fool father did you have, leaving you with such a stupid mom?” he muttered angrily to the drum.
Just then, Barry arrived at the car and saw Alex sitting inside, pointing at the drum and cursing, not even sure who he was venting at.
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