Mike's hopes for a reward from Alpha Kilian did not materialize, as the latter appeared to have changed topics entirely.
Dave did not seem inclined to comment on Mike's actions either and replied to Alpha Kilian seriously, “So we'll follow the plan?”
“Yes.” Alpha Kilian nodded in affirmation.
“I'll get some men on it right away,” replied Dave.
Alpha Kilian added, “Great. If you need help with anything, just say the word.” Their conversation prompted Nelly to offer, “I can help too.”
Dave turned around and shot her a smile. “Don't worry. I won't stand on ceremony around all of you if I need anything.” He stood up and continued, “Well, I'll get busy then. See you soon.”
Alpha Kilian nodded in acknowledgment, and Dave left.
Throughout this exchange, Mike dutifully stood to the side. Isn't it time to discuss the car now that the serious business is over?
He eagerly rushed forward and gazed expectantly at Alpha Kilian .
Alas, Alpha Kilian continued to ignore him and turned to Nelly instead. “Shall we go home, Nelly ?” Nelly replied to his question with one of her own. “But what if Dave needs help?”
After some thought, Alpha Kilian replied to Nelly , “Let me send you home first. I'll come back afterward.” “That sounds troublesome. Why don't you bring me sightseeing nearby?”
He nodded a moment later. “Sure. Let's go.”
She stood up just as Alpha Kilian reached out to hold her hand.
Poor Mike continued to be ignored during the lovers' interaction. He planned to step aside and let Alpha Kilian pass, but his body acted of its own accord, blocking Alpha Kilian 's path instead.
Alpha Kilian cocked his brow and stared at Mike, questioning, “There's nothing else for you here. Why are you still hanging around?”
“I...” Mike trailed off hesitantly. I can't just come right out and ask for a car, right?
He stewed in his thoughts and eventually eked out, “Didn't you ask me to come here, Alpha Kilian ? You still haven't told me why you summoned me here.”
His words caused Alpha Kilian to frown momentarily before saying, “Ah, there's nothing else. You've done all of us a great service; everything else can be overlooked.”
Mike cleared his throat at the mention of his “great service.” He replied, “Don't mention it, Alpha Kilian . You've always been so kind to me. We needn't call it a great service or anything. And forget about Dave's suggestion to give me a car. I'm happy and honored to lend you a helping hand!”
A sly look flashed through Alpha Kilian 's gaze as he studied Mike. “Sure, I got it.” Alpha Kilian clapped him on the shoulder and added, “Get to work, then. I'm bringing Nelly sightseeing.” Then, he left without giving Mike a chance to reply.
Mike was stumped.
T-That's it?
He knitted his brows and stared after Alpha Kilian 's back. “Alpha Kilian , why don't I bring the two of you sightseeing?”
Sadly, Alpha Kilian did not even turn around to gratify him with a response. When Mike was all alone in the office, he frowned in confusion.
That's weird! I couldn't be any more obvious with my hints. Plus, Alpha Kilian has always been a generous man. What's up with his earlier behavior? Or wait! Maybe I shouldn't have beat around the bush?
Mike smacked his mouth in rebuke. Urgh, to h*ll with social niceties!
Meanwhile, Alexia looked on as Alpha Kilian led Nelly out of the office. She did not make an extra effort to avoid them, but she would not step forward to greet them either.
She had promised she would not ruin their relationship, so all she could do was observe them from the sidelines.
When the couple eventually walked past her, Alpha Kilian kept his gaze forward, pretending not to see her.
Nelly was the opposite. Upon spotting Alexia, Nelly stared intently at her, showing no hint of fear. She only retracted her gaze when they were far away from Alexia.
It was then that Nelly commented, “I'm impressed at how easily you've offended two people today!” “Huh?” Alpha Kilian turned to her, giving her an odd look.
“I'm talking about Mike!” Nelly continued, “He was about to burst from his anticipation. Couldn't you tell?”
Alpha Kilian nodded in understanding. “Course I could!” “Then what's up with the clueless act?”
“Isn't the surprise always better after disappointment?” retorted Alpha Kilian .
Nelly could not help but laugh at his reasoning. She should have known he was not serious about forgoing Mike's reward; after all, Mike was one of his most valued subordinates.
“What about the other one?” Nelly pressed on.
Innocently, Alpha Kilian asked, “Another one? Who's that?”
His naive act caused Nelly 's eyes to narrow. “Let's not play games, Alpha Kilian . You know exactly who I mean.”
He arched a brow as amusement danced through his gaze. “I'm not playing games; I'm clearly avoiding the topic.”
“Why?”
“Because there's no need to discuss it!”
Alexia remained frozen in her spot, quietly watching Alpha Kilian and Nelly 's kiss become more heated. The couple showed no signs of stopping or moving into a more private area.
When Alexia could no longer bear seeing their smooch fest, she trudged away in disappointment. Alpha Kilian released Nelly shortly after Alexia's departure.
Nelly was no fool. She knew he would never engage in such a public display of affection. Glancing behind them, she recognized Alexia's retreating figure.
Her suspicions confirmed, Nelly returned her gaze to Alpha Kilian and asked flippantly, “I didn't realize I had been roped into acting, Alpha Morris .”
“Just a coincidence,” returned Alpha Kilian . “Was it?”
“I'm happy to do an encore if you don't believe me.” As he spoke, Alpha Kilian moved closer into her space.
Nelly quickly raised her hands and blocked his advance. She smiled and replied, “Don't think I'll waive my appearance fee if you do it again.”
“I can't offer you an appearance fee. What about something else?” “That depends. What are you offering?”
Alpha Kilian pushed forward and shot her a heated stare. “Me. What do you think?”
Nelly crossed her arms across her chest and made a show out of studying him. She commented indifferently, “You've got a decent face, but I'm not sure if what's under the clothes is equally
impressive?”
“Feel free to test the goods.” “Oh, really?”
Alpha Kilian nodded and replied seriously, “I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Plus, this body is made for any position!”
Their conversation was quickly spiraling into lewd territory. Nelly glanced at him and huffed, “Pervert!”
Alpha Kilian merely smiled and ushered Nelly forward. They strolled for some time before Alpha Kilian said, “Actually, there isn't much to see around here, Nelly . Even if you walk further, everything looks like this.”
“Then what should we do?”
Alpha Kilian suggested, “Dave is probably still busy with internal matters. Why don't we head home first?” Nelly agreed easily. “Sure. That works.”
“Let's go.” Alpha Kilian held her hand and turned around.
His brisk motions spurred Nelly to ask, “Hey, what's the rush?” “To test the goods.”
His reply rendered Nelly speechless. He's too much...
Still, thrill danced in Nelly 's gaze as she studied his profile.
About three hours later, a helicopter landed on a grassy patch some distance away. The triplets hopped out of the helicopter and appraised their unfamiliar surroundings. Tony looked up at Thalia and asked, “Have we arrived?”
“Yes!” Thalia replied in the affirmative.
“Where is this?” Tony 's gaze turned to a house not far away, which did not seem like a hotel. Thalia explained, “This is my friend's house. We can stay here for the next few days.”
Tony replied, “Okay. I'm impressed you managed to borrow a whole house.” “Hmph, I didn't build all those connections for nothing!”
Tony 's lips twitched in amusement.
Just then, Donna stepped forward and held Thalia's hand, praising, “You're so cool, Thalia.”
Thalia instantly became putty in the young girl's hands. She tickled Donna 's chin and cooed, “What a sweet girl you are.”
It was getting dark by the time everyone disembarked from the helicopter. Tony checked the time and declared, “It's getting late. I'm sure everyone is hungry. Why don't we grab dinner and discuss our plans afterward?”
Thalia nodded in agreement and said, “Let's put our luggage in the house. This area is pretty bustling. In fact, the most lavish casino in the area is right at our doorstep!”
Miguel's eyes instantly lit up.
“A casino?”
“Yup,” confirmed Thalia.
“I-I've never seen a casino before,” Miguel uttered in wonder. “Time to change that, then.”
Tony coughed, interrupting Miguel and Thalia's conversation. He announced stiffly, “Don't forget that we're here for some serious business, not for a holiday.” Then, he strode toward the house.
Nelly 's still waiting for me at home. I'm not in the mood to play. Thalia raised a brow at his behavior but remained silent.
Meanwhile, Miguel hurried after the boy and pleaded, “Please don't be angry, Master. I'm not here to play at all.”
“I'm not angry.” Tony looked at Miguel and explained seriously, “I only came here because of incredibly important business, Miguel. I apologize if I'm not in the mood for fun, but I promise I won't have any objections about your personal activities once everything is done.”
Miguel replied, “I understand. Don't worry, Master. I'm not some irresponsible slacker. I will always have the big picture in mind!”
Tony 's lips threatened to curve into a smile.
A short while later, everyone trod into Thalia's friend's house. They left right after dropping off their luggage.
Thalia's description of the pack was spot-on.
It was bustling with activity despite the late hour. It probably was not an exaggeration to claim the pack never slept.
“It's so pretty!” exclaimed Donna .
A starving Ben whined, “What's there to eat here? I'm hungry.”
“There's a famous restaurant up ahead. Why don't we check it out?” suggested Thalia.