Marriage with my daughter's father: Darling please be gentle - Chapter 138

Chapter 138: Chapter 138: He has eyes everywhere
After leaving his apartment that morning, Eric didn’t drive to work. Instead, he headed to a secluded location—one his father had instructed him to meet at.

“I thought you were operating from a distance,” Eric said, eyeing the middle-aged man with white hair and a neatly trimmed French beard. “But here you are, out of the blue. That’s suspicious.”

Alexander had been guiding his son from the shadows for years, carefully preparing him for something much bigger. He’d always been smooth with his movements, leaving no trace of their connection, ensuring no one knew the true nature of their relationship.

“After you tried to interfere with my plans, you think I can trust you from afar?” Alexander replied, his voice low but firm.

Eric had always been loyal—a devoted pawn executing his father’s orders. But lately, Alexander had sensed something off. A shift. His son was distracted, possibly wavering because of that woman—his former pawn.

“I told you I wouldn’t mess anything up. We’ll get what we deserve, Dad. You don’t have to keep reminding me,” Eric said, sneering, clearly annoyed at being doubted.

Alexander studied his son in silence. There was something unsettling in Eric’s demeanor, something that made his instincts stir.

“I’m not here to cause trouble,” Alexander muttered. “Just making sure you’re not getting second thoughts.”

Eric shot him a glare but held his tongue.

“If that’s all you came for, then maybe it’s better if you stayed away,” he snapped, rising to his feet. “You keep saying the same thing, and I keep giving you the same answer—there’s nothing to worry about.”

As he turned to leave, Alexander’s voice cut through the tension.

“Have you found out who caused the accident at the Hillstone site?”

He knew Eric must’ve already started digging into the truth behind it, especially if he was trying to discredit Winter. What Alexander wasn’t sure of was whether his son could handle what he’d uncovered—or if he even believed it.

“For now, it looks like Kingstone,” Eric replied, pausing, his expression dark. “But I doubt it’s just him.”

Kingstone was more than just a partner at J&K Internationals—he also had ties with the Greysons. And yet, despite his careful balancing act, it was shocking to see him dare cross both sides while keeping the rest of his empire intact.

When Alexander didn’t respond, Eric frowned.

“But why are you suddenly interested in Kingstone?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.

Alexander snapped out of his thoughts, the curiosity on his son’s face making him wary.

“Just wondering how he dared to risk everything by going against Kalix Andreas,” he said carefully, watching Eric closely. “Even if he tries to rebuild his career from scratch, there’s hardly anyone left who would trust him now.”

Eric’s expression hardened. “I don’t buy it,” he said, voice laced with suspicion. “David hasn’t even finalized the termination of the contract with Kingstone. His reputation might be taking a hit, sure—but he’s not acting like someone ready to walk away from his deals just yet.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t you find it suspicious?” he asked, locking eyes with Eric, his words heavy with meaning.

For a moment, their gazes met, unspoken tension passing between them.

Eric’s eyes flickered with something—a brief flash of unease—and he abruptly stood.

“I need to leave. And for now, don’t try to reach out to me. I’ll keep you updated,” he said, his voice cold, and walked away.

Alexander watched his son leave, his expression turning grim. There was something about David’s hesitation to sever ties with Kingstone that raised red flags, but what bothered him even more was the silence from Byron. Why hadn’t the old man voiced his displeasure yet?

“What is it I’m not seeing?” Alexander muttered to himself, his mind racing through possibilities. Then, a single thought crossed his mind. The one person who could be keeping everything in check—Byron. The old man had always kept a watchful eye on his son’s every move.

“So, he got a whiff of it,” Alexander muttered, his eyes flickering with malice as a sinister grin curled across his lips.

***

Inside the office canteen, Winter settled across from Felix and Mia at the table, her eyes flickering between the two before landing on Felix.

“Now you don’t even want to look at me?” She teased, causing Felix to freeze.

Winter had never seen him this self-conscious—not even after she’d rejected him back then. But now, his odd behavior was making her suspicious.

Mia, on the other hand, couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

“Don’t you want to tell her?” She said, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Winter’s brow furrowed. “Is there something I should know, Felix?” she asked, glancing between the two, her curiosity piqued.

“Of course you do, Winter—and trust me, it’s too funny,” Mia laughed, glancing at Felix, who shot her a furious look.

“Alright, you two,” Winter cut in, raising a hand. “Mia, stop teasing him. And Felix—are you going to tell me why you’re acting so strange? Is my presence bothering you?” she asked sincerely.

Felix looked at her cautiously, then shook his head.

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then why won’t you talk to me?” Winter pressed gently. “Has our relationship changed now that you know who I really am?”

Mia tried to stifle her laughter, but the effort only made it worse.

“Mia!” Winter warned, narrowing her eyes.

The girl finally managed to stop, though her grin remained firmly in place.

“Now tell me, Felix—if everything’s fine, then what exactly is bothering you?” Winter asked, her tone gentle but persistent.

Felix gulped. “The eyes… of the man who watches everyone who even thinks of flirting with his wife,” he muttered, leaning back as if bracing himself.

Winter blinked, stunned. “What?”

Mia burst into another fit of laughter. “He’s been warned, Winter. And not just him—no male species in this company is allowed to get too close to you.”

It took Winter a moment to process, but then the pieces began falling into place.

“Did Kalix warn—”

Felix quickly nodded before she could finish.

“And trust me, he has eyes everywhere,” he added with a dramatic shiver. “I do not want to go through that again. It was like stepping into the lion’s den the day after I… you know, proposed.”

Winter’s eyes widened.

“At first, I thought it was about work,” Felix continued. “But no. He just sat there… calm, quiet, terrifying. It wasn’t a conversation—it was a warning. A very clear, territorial warning.”

Winter stared at him, a mix of disbelief and amusement dancing in her eyes. “So you knew all along?” she asked softly.

Felix nodded, sheepish.

She couldn’t believe Kalix had gone to such lengths to scare the poor guy. And now that she understood why Felix had been so distant, her frustration melted away, replaced by sympathy.

“I’m sorry, Felix. I didn’t realize…” She smiled gently. “Don’t worry, you’re still my friend. That’s never going to change.”

Felix looked uncertain at first, but then nodded slowly. He didn’t want to lose their friendship either. And if Winter was willing to draw that line clearly, maybe he could trust it.

With the tension finally diffused, they all turned their attention back to lunch, a lighter mood settling over the table.

***

Back inside the office, Sean informed Kalix about Dianna’s interrogation with the cops and how she had stood her ground, firmly denying all accusations made against her.

“I don’t think she’s going to admit to anything easily,” Sean said, eyeing Kalix, who remained silent, listening intently.

“So be it,” Kalix finally spoke, his voice calm but edged with cold calculation. “Because by doing that, she’s giving us exactly what we need—to see what’s buried beneath her lies.”

Sean raised a brow. “And how’s that, boss?”

Apart from the suspicious transaction—money funneled from the company’s funds—there wasn’t a single solid piece of evidence tying Dianna directly to the trap. Which could only mean one thing: she wasn’t the mastermind. She was a pawn. And someone else was moving the pieces behind her.

“The constant interrogation will wear her down,” Kalix said calmly. “Eventually, she’ll reach out to whoever’s helping her. And that’s when we’ll get her.”

Sean nodded thoughtfully, finally seeing the strategy come together. “I’ll tell the lead officer to keep the pressure on.”

Kalix’s eyes narrowed slightly, catching the way Sean kept rubbing at his neck.

“What’s that on your neck?”

Sean froze. His eyes widened, panic flickering in them. “W-what? There’s nothing! Seriously—nothing,” he said, awkwardly turning away and trying to casually adjust his collar.

Kalix tilted his head, unimpressed. “Then why are you covering it with your hand?”

Sean leapt to his feet. “It’s just… It’s hot in here. Really hot. And my office has better ventilation. I should probably—go.”

Kalix didn’t buy a word of it, especially with the way Sean was practically sprinting for the door like a guilty teenager.

Just as he reached for the handle, the door burst open—and Winter stormed in.

“How could you threaten Felix?” She demanded, her voice sharp with accusation.

Both men froze in place, caught off guard—though Kalix recovered faster, naturally. Sean, on the other hand, looked like he’d been hit with a stun gun.

But Winter’s glare shifted, her eyes narrowing as she caught a glimpse of something on Sean’s neck.

“Wait… is that a love bite?”

Sean stood there, stunned into silence, his mouth opening but no sound coming out.

“…”