ALFRED

As soon as Dad asked who the “contract girlfriend” was, the room went dead silent. I could feel Delphine’s eyes on me, and Kendrick looked like he’d seen a ghost. I had to think fast.

“Dad, Kendrick was on a call when he said that,” I blurted. “He wasn’t even talking to me. He was on the phone with someone else. You must have misunderstood.”

Dad narrowed his eyes and looked at Kendrick. “Let me see your call log,” he said coldly.

My heart started pounding. What? That was pushing it. Invading Kendrick’s privacy like that? What if he really wasn’t on a call? What if…

Just then, Dad’s phone rang. He checked the screen and answered it.

“Dr. Reuben. Yes, yes… Alright, I’m on my way.”

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room.

The door clicked shut behind him, and I let out the deepest breath I had been holding.

Kendrick wiped his forehead. “Bro… I almost peed on myself.”

“Same,” I muttered. “You really need to learn how to whisper.”

A few hours later, a maid came up to me and said Dad wanted to see me in his study.

I walked in slowly, unsure of what was next. He was sitting behind his desk and pointed at the chair next to him. “Sit.”

I sat.

He cleared his throat and began, “For the past one month, since Delphine’s arrival… I have seen a lot of changes.”

I kept quiet, listening.

“You no longer stay out late. No more unnecessary parties. You’ve become more responsible, paying attention to details. Well-behaved. Focused. I’m impressed.”

I was stunned. I couldn’t believe what I heard. The man who had doubted me for years was finally placing his trust in me. I was totally speechless, but somehow, I managed to speak.

“Thank you, Dad,” I said with a small smile that curved my lips.

He nodded. “After much thought, I’ve decided you’re now qualified to manage the company.”

I blinked. “Sir?”

“Yes,” he said. “My lawyer will be here Monday with some documents for you to sign.”

I just stared at him. Was this real?

Did I really just hear that?

My heart was leaping, but this time, it was for joy.

I thought about Delphine—how much she had helped me, how everything began to change when she walked into my life. This wasn’t just my win. It was ours.

And for the first time in a long while, I felt like I was finally becoming the man I was meant to be.

“Dad… I… I am really grateful.” I knelt before him as I dabbed the tears in my eyes with a handkerchief.

“I promise, I won’t let you down…I swear to you. Thank you so much Sir.” I spoke, my voice cracking due to how my throat had clenched.