Mommy，We Got a Husband
Chapter 397 Are You Still Mad?

"If Stellan had been the one hurt this time, could you handle that?" Alaric grilled him again.

Tommy kept apologizing, "I'm really sorry, Mr. Knight. This is totally on me. Do whatever you gotta do."

Alaric's voice was ice-cold, "You're outta here."

"What?" Tommy was floored. Fired? Just like that?

If Alaric hadn't known about the threatening letter, Tommy might've just gotten a slap on the wrist. But with all this drama piling up, Tommy had to go.

Even if Tommy had zilch to do with the Vale family or that old Storm family mess, just being a regular dude who got in through Josep's hook-up, his over-the-top concern for Stellan was enough to boot him.

"Mr. Knight, I know I messed up and I'll take whatever comes, but isn't firing me kinda extreme?" Tommy was seriously bummed.

Alaric shot back, "You think it's too much?"

Tommy nodded. "Yeah."

"You've been way too touchy with my wife, and your computer's full of her pics. And now, with all these reporters showing up. Even if you didn't call them, just the fact that you called her over and tried to play hero is enough to can you. Got it?"

Tommy scrambled to explain, "Mr. Knight, you're getting it all wrong. When my family was struggling, you gave me a job and a place to stay. I'm super grateful. I'd never think anything shady about Ms. Storm. No way. You misunderstood. The first time, she almost fainted, so I helped her. And the second time..."

Alaric stared him down. "You saying I'm paranoid?"

Tommy shook his head. "No, sir. I just need to clear this up."

"The best way to clear it up is to leave Nexus Innovations and stay away from Stellan," Alaric said. "Josep saved my life, so since you're his nephew, I'll give you a fat severance. That's the best I can do."

Tommy had nothing left to say. "If that's your call, Mr. Knight, I can't change it," he said, trying to sound grateful. "Thanks to you and Ms. Storm for everything. I'll pack up now. I don't need the severance. I've already felt bad for taking more than I earned. I can't take any more. Mr. Knight, you go ahead. I'll get my stuff."

With that, Tommy walked out. Alaric took a deep breath and sank into his chair.

He sat there, eyes closed, thinking, until his phone buzzed. It was Neil. He picked up. "Neil, I was just about to call you."

"Really? That's funny," Neil said. "I saw the news about your company and wanted to check in, but I figured you'd be swamped. I waited till things calmed down to call."

"It's sorted," Alaric said bluntly, "I know about the threats Stellan got, and I know the Storm family case I submitted wasn't really turned down. You blocked it, didn't you?" Neil was caught off guard. "You already know?"

Alaric nodded, "Yeah."

Neil had tried to keep it from him, but Alaric found out fast. "I didn't want to hide it from you. It was for your own good..."

Alaric cut him off, "I get it. You guys mean well."

Neil warned, "Alaric, these guys are bad news and they're lurking in the shadows. If they really want to come after you, they can. Without knowing who they are, it's best to lay low." Alaric assured him, "I know. Don't worry, I won't do anything stupid."

"Good," Neil said, "Your priority now is your health. Once you're back on your feet, you can handle everything else. About the Storm family case, you think it's tied to the Vale family, right? If we can't go public, I'll start a covert investigation. I'll dig into all the Vale family's connections. If Stuart had no motive, he might've been hired."

Alaric said sincerely, "Thanks, Neil."

Neil pretended to be annoyed. "I've told you, it's my job. If you keep thanking me, we might as well end our friendship."

Alaric chuckled, "Alright, I won't say it again. Actually, I need another favor."

Neil said, "Shoot."

Alaric explained, "Josep's nephew needed a job, so I put him at Nexus Innovations. He was Stellan's assistant, but his behavior seemed off. Even though I fired him, I'd like you to check him out. You're a cop, so it should be easier for you." Neil asked, "What's his name?"

Alaric replied, "Tommy. I'll send you his photo in a bit."

Neil said, "Got it."

After hanging up, Alaric checked the time, did a bit more work, then grabbed his car keys and left the office.

When he got back to the Knight mansion, Stellan and Rowena were baking a cake with their teacher.

"Mr. Knight, you're back?" Rowena said quickly, "Since you're here, then I'll..."

Alaric waved her off. "No need, you keep going."

"I really have something to do, Mr. Knight. You should join her. It will be faster with some help." Rowena took off her apron and said to Stellan, "Stellan, I'm heading out." After Rowena left, Alaric apologized to Stellan, "Did I come back too soon?"

"No," Stellan said, looking for his input, "Alaric, will you help me?"

Alaric said, "I don't know how."

"The baking teacher will guide us," Stellan said, putting an apron on him. "Come on, let's do it together."

Alaric had no choice but to join Stellan in learning from the baking teacher. Together, they made a cake, and it turned out pretty good.

Seeing Alaric with cream on his face, Stellan couldn't help but laugh. "Look at you, it's all over your face."

Stellan wiped his face with a tissue, and Alaric smiled helplessly, then asked, "Still mad?"