Mommy，We Got a Husband
Chapter 354 I'm Drunk, I Need a Hug

Just like last time, Neil showed up in no time. Even though it was only their third meet-up, after their last hangout, it felt like they were old buddies catching up, no awkward vibes at all. "So, what's the deal you mentioned on the phone?" Alaric asked.

"It's still about Stellan's kidnapping. The higher-ups are breathing down our necks, demanding we wrap this up in the next two days," Neil grumbled, clearly pissed since they had zilch to pin on Ambrose. "Not surprising," Alaric said.

Neil was fuming. "It's maddening knowing who did it but having no proof to nail him!"

"Ambrose is a sly fox. He's been gunning for that board spot at Far East International forever. Since Todd hit Arizona, he's been scheming to make someone else do his dirty work and fall for him."

"You never know what's in someone's heart. Ambrose looks all right but is rotten to the core," Neil spat, then added, "If we close the case like this, the internet's gonna explode with rumors. Most folks already think you're the bad guy. If they find out we're tight, they'll probably spin some wild tale about us being in cahoots."

Alaric gave a wry smile, "Doesn't matter. People believe what they wanna believe. Let 'em talk."

"Same here. I don't give a damn what they say; I know I'm clean," Neil said, then softened, "But closing the case like this makes me feel bad for you and Stellan. You guys are the victims, yet you're getting painted as the villains." "It's just for now. Ambrose will get what's coming to him," Alaric said, then added, "Neil, let's drop this case for now. I wanna talk about something else."

Neil looked puzzled. "Something else?"

"Yeah," Alaric asked, "How long you been working in Arizona, Neil?"

Neil replied, "Got transferred here four or five years ago."

"It's a case from seven years back, so you might not know it. It's also tied to Stellan," Alaric said.

Neil was shocked and then furious. "If this is true, the Vale Family's got some serious nerve!"

"I thought it was the Vale Family too, but after digging around, I can't find a motive. The Vale Family and the Storm Family don't even cross paths. So, the only lead is still Ambrose," Alaric explained. Neil sighed, "No motive, and it's an old case. Tough nut to crack."

"I've got a rough plan," Alaric shared his idea with Neil and concluded, "It's a long shot."

"I get it. Don't worry, I'm in," Neil said..

"Thanks for trusting me, Neil," Alaric said, grateful.

Neil looked at him and smiled. "You're a hero, man. You risked your neck on missions. If I can't trust you, who can I trust?"

Alaric smiled back, "I mentioned last time I'd treat you to a drink. How about today?"

"Sure thing, I won't hold back," Neil said with a grin. "I'll have a few good drinks at your place."

When Stellan got back to the Knight Mansion, she saw them chatting it up, all smiles.

The Alaric she saw now was a far cry from the one she first met. She never thought he'd be the type to make friends.

"Stellan, Alaric invited me for a drink, so I'm taking him up on it," Neil said.

"That's awesome, I couldn't be happier," Stellan teased. "Neil, you have no idea how bad Alaric's temper used to be. Only Cormac, who grew up with him, stuck around, and even that was touch and go. I'm really glad he made a friend like you." Alaric gave a wry smile, "You're not giving me any credit, are you?"

Stellan laughed, "Just telling it like it is."

"Alright, alright, you're right," Alaric said, then turned to Neil, "What do you like to eat? I'll have the chef whip it up."

Neil shrugged, "I've never been picky. In this line of work, I'm just happy to get three square meals on time every day. So, I'm good with whatever."

Neil's straightforward and bold personality made Stellan particularly fond of him.

Stellan said, "You guys chat, I'll go check on the kitchen."

After Stellan headed to the kitchen, Neil asked, "Why haven't I seen the three kids? They weren't around last time either."

Alaric replied, "They're out having fun. They'll be back before school starts."

Neil nodded, "That's really convenient. Having three sensible and lovely kids, Alaric, you're really lucky."

Alaric smiled contentedly and nodded. "Yeah, I truly am."

When dinner started, they sat at the dining table. Because of his illness, Alaric could only drink tea, while Stellan decided to drink with Neil.

Neil remarked, "Stellan is really fitting the role of a CEO now."

"It's so nice of you. It's rare for you to come over for a drink. Since Alaric can't drink, I have to keep you company, or it would be too rude," Stellan said.

"No worries. I'm just here for a few good drinks. If you can't hold your liquor, you don't have to push yourself," Neil said.

Stellan said, "My alcohol tolerance isn't great, but I can handle a little."

Neil chuckled, "Alright, then I'll have a couple of drinks with you tonight."

It turned out Neil could really hold his liquor. After two bottles of red wine, he was still unfazed, while Stellan only had a few glasses.

After dinner, Neil didn't stick around long. Alaric had a driver take him back.

"Neil really can hold his liquor. His tolerance is amazing," Stellan marveled.

"Yeah," Alaric said, looking at Stellan's flushed face, "You're not bad either. You can actually drink a few glasses."

Stellan replied, "Of course. As the acting CEO, I can't be a lightweight."

Hearing this, Alaric's face immediately turned serious. He ordered, "I made you the acting CEO, but I didn't ask you to learn to drink. For the next six months, you're not allowed to have any social engagements or drink any alcohol. Got it?" "Got it," Stellan said, then leaned into his arms playfully, "I'm drunk, I need a hug."