The fragrance of the instant noodles wafted over, causing Dominic to subconsciously swallow, his gaze turning colder by three degrees.
Who gave this woman the confidence to think he wanted to eat?
A trace of annoyance flashed through Dominic's narrow eyes for some inexplicable reason.
Alessia was enjoying her noodles. She had only asked the question just now because it was part of her 'role', and Dominic's refusal had long been expected.
She walked over to a low stool near the door, finished the noodles in a few mouthfuls, and looked up to see a dilapidated tricycle parked outside.
It was the vehicle she had asked the old lady to call for.
Alessia put down the noodle box and turned back to ask Dominic dutifully, "Mr. Carter, would you like to go together?"
This time, Dominic was even more direct, not even bothering to give her a glance.
Very well, this was in line with Dominic's proud personality. It seemed that he completely believed she was trying to seduce him.
Alessia breathed a sigh of relief and leaned tiredly against the car.
As the tricycle drove away, a black Mercedes passed by.
David got off the car and hurried to Dominic's side.
He helped Dominic change into his suit jacket without daring to look at his face.
He had only glanced from afar just now and knew that the CEO was very angry.
He didn't know who had angered the CEO and made him bear the consequences.
...
Alessia returned to the hotel and asked the staff at the front desk to help her purchase a new phone. Just as she finished, she noticed Chris, wearing a mask, standing beside her, his black grape-like eyes fixed on her.
His gaze was like that of a little abandoned kitten who had finally found its way back and was silently accusing its owner of grievances.
Alessia's heart softened, and she couldn't help but reach out to comfort him, but then withdrew her hand.
Dressed in a black hoodie and black pants, with a few fading red rashes barely visible on his forehead, Chris was clearly dressed just like Dominic's son from this morning in the elevator.
He wasn't Chris!
Alessia felt frustrated, realizing she almost made the mistake again.
Perhaps it was because this child looked too much like Chris that Alessia couldn't bring herself to ignore him.
Dominic hadn't returned yet, and the little boy was probably getting anxious.
Alessia sighed helplessly, bent down halfway, and softened her voice, "Little guy, are you looking for your dad?"
The little boy didn't speak but shook his head reservedly.
Alessia paused, thinking the child might be shy, so she crouched down to meet his gaze and said, "Not looking for Dad...? Is there something wrong? Do you need Auntie's help?"
As her words fell, the little boy shook his head again.
Sure enough, he was Dominic's son. His silent and reserved nature was just like his father's, but it wasn't unpleasant; in fact, it seemed rather obedient, probably because Christian and Eleanor were too noisy on normal days.
Alessia glanced at the nearby sofa, guessing that Dominic should be back soon. She patiently spoke again, "Do I need to sit with you on the sofa for a while?"
Finally, this time the little boy reacted differently. His black grape-like eyes moved slightly, and then he nodded reservedly.
Alessia couldn't help but smile, a smile that she hadn't even realized had appeared.
She felt a special connection with this child, almost without any hesitation, she stood up to hold his hand.
The two sat down on the sofa, and the little boy still didn't speak. He just placed his small hands on his thighs, sitting quietly and obediently, his big eyes still staring at Alessia.
Alessia sighed. This child's personality was completely different from Christian and Eleanor's.
She thought for a moment and decided to go buy a bottle of water to ease the child's mood.
Unfortunately, as soon as she stood up, the hem of her clothes was grabbed by the little boy. His black eyes stared straight at her, filled with reluctance and dependence, making it impossible for anyone to refuse.
Alessia's heart softened, and she even had the thought of taking the child back with her.
But as soon as this thought arose, she froze.
She must be going crazy thinking about her baby. This was Dominic's son.
Alessia sighed with disappointment, gently patting the little boy's head and soothing him, "Be good, I will go buy you some water and be back soon."
The little boy blinked his big eyes once, still not letting go of her hand.
Alessia had no choice but to continue coaxing him, "Then come with me to buy it."
The little boy nodded.
Alessia's eyes filled with a little smile. Suddenly, she remembered what Christian had told her about his new friend, who only spoke in short phrases.
This little boy only nodded or shook his head, his personality was so similar.
She even had the illusion that Christian's new friend and the little boy in front of her were the same person.
Before Alessia and Christopher could leave, Dominic and David appeared at the hotel entrance.
David saw Christopher standing next to Alessia and was so surprised that his eyes widened. Afraid that he might be mistaken, he turned to ask Dominic, "Mr. Carter, is that the young master!?"
Dominic didn't say anything, his gaze falling on the small hand tightly holding onto Alessia's clothes.
When they had just entered, he had already noticed that. Chris had autism and never spoke to strangers, if he hadn't been mistaken just now, it was the first time Chris had taken the initiative to pull a stranger's clothes, and the emotions revealed in his eyes showed that he was very dependent on her.
Dominic frowned slightly. If it were Chris being intimate with another woman, he would never stop him.
But the woman in front of him obviously came to please him and, failing that, turned to please Chris.
If Chris found out that he was being used by someone, he might never want to come out again.
Thinking of this, Dominic's face darkened, and he strode over.
Dominic single-handedly lifted his son behind him, his expression stern as he gazed at the woman before him, devoid of warmth as he said, "Keep away from my son."
The obedient little boy had now been replaced by a stern man, leaving Alessia momentarily stunned before she regained her senses.
Dominic's imposing manner made it clear that there had been some misunderstanding.
Alessia glanced behind Dominic, where the little boy was completely shielded from view. She furrowed her brows. Did Dominic think she was trying to use the child to please him?
Alessia sneered inwardly. Indeed, this man was so self-absorbed that he was beyond help.
But this also indirectly proved that her efforts had not been in vain.
Since it had come to this, why not deepen the misunderstanding further?
Alessia pondered for a moment and then looked up at Dominic. "Mr. Carter, your son is very cute. I get along well with him."
"Is that so? Unfortunately, my son has no connection with you!"
Dominic looked at her coldly, his black eyes hiding an undercurrent. Perhaps it was his good upbringing that enabled him to restrain himself from losing his temper in public.
He turned and scooped up the little boy, striding away.
Alessia watched the father and son disappear into the distance, relieved yet also feeling a sense of loss.
After the brief encounter, she found herself quite fond of the child, but it seemed that Dominic was genuinely protective of his son.
In the elevator.
Dominic held his son in his arms with a powerful aura.
He frowned. Although they were both silent, he could read his son's emotions from the changes in his eyes.
Right now, his son was clearly unhappy.
After hesitating for a moment, Dominic asked, "Do you really like... that lady from just now?"
***