Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 507: Chapter 507

I could tell right away that her words were anything but praise. The undisguised contempt in her voice when mentioning Maddox took me by surprise. But on second thought, it made sense. Back when the Parks family was in dire straits, it was the Shepherd family that extended a helping hand, allowing them to recover. The business world was as ruthless as a battlefield—without the support of the Shepherds, the Parks family would not be where they were today.
If Maddox were truly a kind and pure-hearted person, the Parks family would never have survived the treacherous waters of the corporate world for so long.
"So, Mrs. Shepherd, does this mean you've decided to work with me?" I curved my lips into a half-smile and stood up, unwilling to stay in the stifling study any longer.
"I hope you'll keep your word and not go back on your promises," Melody's voice came from behind me, cold as ice.
"Of course," I turned to look at her as I replied, my expression unwavering. After a brief pause, I added, "But you should advise Kailyn to stop provoking me. Next time, the price she pays might be far greater than this."
With that, I stepped out of the study without hesitation. At that moment, I almost felt a piercing chill creeping up my back.
As I descended the stairs, I saw Zachary frowning, his little face flushed red as he stubbornly resisted taking his medicine.
I quickly walked over, crouched beside him, and coaxed him gently. After playing with him for a while, I finally managed to get him to take his medicine. Watching him drift off to sleep, I tucked him in carefully before quietly leaving the Parks estate.
By the time I arrived at Honeydew Estate, night had already fallen.
Sophina saw the exhaustion on my face. Though her expression was concerned, she said nothing, simply staying by my side in silent companionship.
The car came to a smooth stop in the parking lot. I had no idea how much time had passed when I finally opened my eyes and realized we had arrived.
Stepping out, I stretched my stiff limbs, rubbed my sore neck, and said tiredly, "You all should head back and rest."
Once inside the elevator, I absentmindedly pressed the floor where Sophina and the others stayed.
Sophina cast me a worried glance as the elevator doors slid open and said softly, "Laurel, make sure you eat something when you get home." I nodded, remembering that Dorothy had taken the day off since I had gone to the funeral.
When I entered my home, the place was eerily silent, the stillness almost unsettling.
I collapsed onto the sofa, utterly drained. I thought I would fall asleep right away, but my mind remained wide awake. My thoughts raced uncontrollably, like wild horses breaking free from their reins.
Getting up, I walked into the master bedroom, opened the liquor cabinet, and pulled out a bottle of red wine. Pouring myself a glass, I leaned against the bed and took slow sips.
The room was dimly lit by a single warm-toned lamp. Yet, despite its cozy glow, it did little to ease my fatigue and frustration.
As the wine bottle neared empty, I still felt no drowsiness.
I glanced at the clock on the wall and thought, 'At this hour, Alex probably won't be coming home.'
At some point, I dozed off.
The next thing I knew, my phone was vibrating.
I reached out groggily to grab it, but a slender, fair-skinned hand snatched it up before I could react. "That's my phone," a voice said.
I turned my head and froze. Before me was an unbelievably handsome face, so breathtaking it left me momentarily speechless.
Alex stood there, wearing only a bathrobe. His slender neck was fully exposed, his damp hair clinging to his skin. Droplets of water clung to his long eyelashes, softening his usually cold and distant demeanor. At this moment, he looked almost... gentle.
My heart pounded wildly at the sight of him.
As he lifted the phone to speak, my mind went blank. I struggled to suppress the absurd thoughts flashing through my head, but my body reacted before I could stop myself.
Instantly, I toppled onto him, reaching out to trace his beautiful features. The room was so silent that I could hear nothing but our racing heartbeats.
I pressed my dry lips together, and before I knew it, I found myself kissing him.
The night passed in a blur of passion. As the morning light filtered through the curtains, I slowly opened my eyes, my head heavy from a lingering hangover.
When the memories of last night rushed back, I jolted upright, my thoughts racing. 'I must be insane. I actually slept with Alex while drunk?'
Carefully, I turned my head to look at the man beside me. Bathed in the soft morning light, his sleeping face looked incredibly peaceful. I gingerly lifted the blanket, attempting to slip away, but accidentally brushed against him.
"Awake?" His voice, hoarse from sleep, was deep and seductive.
My body tensed, and I forced an awkward smile as I asked, "M-Morning. When did you... get back last night?"
A faint smirk played at the corners of his lips as he replied, "I came home to find you completely wasted, with your phone ringing non-stop."
My face flushed crimson. Remembering last night's events, I wished the ground would swallow me whole. I hurriedly explained, "Uh... about that... I'm really sorry. I drank too much and wasn't thinking clearly."
Alex sat up, his robe slipping slightly to reveal his well-toned chest.
He looked at me, amusement flickering in his eyes as he teased, "Oh? So you're planning to just use me and walk away?"
"I-I didn't mean it like that!" I stammered, my face burning. "It just happened so suddenly, and I..."
Suddenly, he reached out and gently ruffled my hair, chuckling. "Relax. I was just teasing you." His gaze softened. "I'm your husband. Keeping you company is part of the deal, isn't it? What are you so afraid of?"
I lowered my head and mumbled, "I'm not afraid... It's just that you're usually so cold and distant."
He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Cold and distant? Then tell me, who was the one clinging to me last night?"
"Ugh, stop!" Embarrassed and frustrated, I smacked his arm in response.
Laughing, he caught my hand, embraced me, and reassured me, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. But from now on, talk to me. Don't keep everything bottled up."
There was an undeniable warmth in his voice, one that left no room for argument.
Leaning against his chest, I felt my anxiety and exhaustion slowly melt away. "Mm. I got it."
Just then, my phone rang again.
Slipping out of Alex's arms, I glanced at the screen. It was an unfamiliar number. After a brief hesitation, I answered, "Hello?"
A deep male voice came through the line, "Is this Laurel Parks? I'm Harold Foster."
My expression shifted instantly. Taking a deep breath, I forced my voice to remain steady as I questioned, "What do you want?"
"Do you have time to meet?" Harold asked, his tone carried an unmistakable weight.
I tightened my grip on the phone and lowered my voice, "We don't really know each other. What's the point?"
He chuckled darkly. "Well then, do you want to cure your husband's leg or not? I can help. But of course, I'll need you to do me a small favor in return."