Mommy，We Got a Husband
Chapter 36 She's Definitely Your Daughter

"It's a small place—just have a seat anywhere," Galatea said, playing the host as she invited Alaric in, "I'll get you some water."

Alaric scanned the tiny apartment briefly, taking it all in with a quick glance, leaving no room unchecked. Once he finished, Elisa's piercing gaze met his.

Elisa, with steely eyes unwavering, challenged him, "Aren't you the deadbeat who messed with my mom and then skipped town? What's got you crawling back here?" Alaric nearly chuckled at the accusation of him being a deadbeat.

"Am I not welcome?" Alaric asked.

"Weren't you the one giving me the cold shoulder at your office? Turnabout's fair play."

Alaric couldn't help but laugh at her retort. "You sure know a lot, huh?"

The more Alaric observed Elisa, the uncannier the resemblance became. Suddenly, it hit him-Caspian had mentioned a classmate named Elisa, who looked almost like his twin. 'Could it be her? She really does look similar.'

"Elisa, do you know my son Caspian?"

"Are you actually asking me something?" Elisa smirked a hint of triumph in her eyes. "That'll be ten dollars a question, cash or transfer." Alaric fell silent.

"Fair and square prices, no scams, and definitely no pressure sales," Elisa thought aloud, firmly. She couldn't go easy on a rich jerk like him.

Caspian, cramped in the closet, was struggling for air. 'What was his dad doing here? Why wasn't he leaving already?'

Hearing Elisa's words, Alaric somewhat reluctantly pulled out a crisp hundred-dollar bill and handed it to her. Elisa quickly snatched it and securely put it away, "You're quite the high roller. I'll give you a discount. You can ask me eleven questions."

"Then answer the one I just asked."

"I don't know him," Elisa answered with a hint of surprise. "Your son goes to some fancy private school, right? How would I possibly know him?"

'Doesn't know him? So, the Elisa that Caspian spoke of isn't her?'

Alaric glanced toward the kitchen where Galatea had yet to appear and asked again, "You're a twin? You have a brother?"

"Yeah, my brother's name is Harry. I mentioned earlier he's out shooting hoops."

"Got a picture? I'd like to take a look."

Caspian, hidden in the closet, felt a surge of anxiety. He could only silently pray that Alaric wouldn't get to see any photos.

"Asking questions is ten bucks a pop, but looking at my personal stuff? That'll cost you more."

For the first time, Alaric felt utterly defeated by a kid, and so he reached for his wallet again. But before he could hand over the money, it was intercepted by Galatea.

"Elisa, always thinking about money," she gently scolded, then turned to hand the money back to Alaric with a gentle reminder, "Mr. Knight, I know you're not short on cash but don't spoil the kid."

Elisa felt a wave of disappointment. The money had been so tantalizingly close.

At that moment, Caspian felt like he was about to burst from all the suspense. He made a slight noise, which drew a swift reaction from Elisa who quickly suggested, "It's time for dinner, why don't we three go out to eat?" Galatea checked the time, and indeed, it was dinner time.

"Harry's not back yet."

"Mia will bring him home. Come on, Mom, I've been dying to try the deluxe meal at Arizon's. I haven't had it yet."

The implication was clear. Alaric was expected to pick up the tab.

"Elisa, whatever you want to eat, my treat."

"Any deluxe meal with meat works for me!"

Galatea, also feeling cornered by Elisa's plea, agreed, and the trio headed out. As soon as they were gone, Caspian came out from the closet, exhaling a huge sigh of relief for not being discovered. "Mr. Knight, your car is awesome!" exclaimed Elisa as they got into the car.

"Less talk," Galatea hurriedly whispered a reminder.

Elisa pouted and nodded, "Got it."

After that, Elisa kept quiet. Seeing this, Alaric couldn't help but smile affectionately at her, feeling an inexplicable fondness for the kid.

Because Elisa had mentioned wanting to eat meat, Alaric took her to Arizona's most upscale steakhouse.

"We're just grabbing a bite. Do we need to go this fancy?" Galatea remarked.

"Mama, you don't understand. A guy's first treat is a big deal-it's about his pride. We need to show Mr. Knight proper respect."

'Respect? Or was it just about scoring a free meal?'

"Your daughter is much more genuine than you on this point," said Alaric before he effortlessly scooped Elisa into his arms and carried her into the restaurant. Galatea muttered a curse under her breath.

'Fine, if it's sincerity they want, she'd respond by ordering the most expensive items on the menu.'

The trio took a seat by the window, and a waiter quickly came over to take their order.

Galatea didn't even glance at the menu. Instead, she commanded, "One Ocean's Bounty with foie gras and truffle sauce, 200 grams of Almas caviar, a cup of creamed vegetable soup, one A5 Kobe steak, medium-rare, a cup of Helena Coffee, and a fruit salad to top it off, thank you."

Alaric was quite surprised. This woman, who lived in a place that was practically a slum, ordered with such ease in this upscale venue.

When she was still a wealthy heiress, she had grown tired of such delicacies long ago.

"I just want meat. Just order me a delicious steak," Elisa told the waiter.

"Sure thing."

"Thank you," said Elisa sweetly, which made the waiter smile affectionately and then turn to Alaric, saying, "Your daughter is absolutely adorable."

"My daughter?" Alaric was momentarily taken aback.

"Yeah, of course! She looks just like you!"

Alaric and Galatea felt a mutual sense of embarrassment when they heard what was said.

After the waiter left, Elisa remarked, "See, anyone with eyes can tell. Mom, didn't you used to be from Arizona? Think about it, could it be that you and Mr. Knight had me and Harry?"

"Stop talking nonsense!" Galatea, already feeling awkward, found the conversation even more uncomfortable after Elisa's comment. She quickly excused herself, "I need to use the restroom."

Once Galatea had left, Elisa turned to Alaric and asked, "Is there no chance you could be my dad? I mean, we look so much alike, it doesn't make sense!"

"You don't know who your father is?" Alaric was puzzled. Even if the man had passed away, based on the last conversation, it was clear that Galatea had a good relationship with him and would not withhold such information from her children. "I don't," Elisa admitted honestly, "Mom always told us we didn't have a dad."