Chapter: 32

“Grandma, you should head to bed. We're staying the night," Alan declared before Kaitlin could respond.

Kaitlin turned her head around in surprise, catching Alan's words.

She shot him a look, but he averted her gaze.

"That's good to hear. I am getting on in years, after all. You two enjoy yourselves. I'm off to rest."

“Okay. Sleep tight, Grandma," Alan said.

Only after Beth had left did Kaitlin turn back, her expression sour.

“Alan, what is this about? Weren't we just supposed to have dinner?"

“Why are you so upset? Is it really that awful to stay just one night?" he retorted, stepping closer and towering over her.

“Are you worried I might take advantage of you? Really, Kaitlin?"

Humiliated, Kaitlin shoved him out of her way. "You better not!"

Without another word, she headed straight to the study, a room she knew well in the Hewitt family's house.

Tonight, she had to finish the draft for the cooperation project.

Time was tight.

Meanwhile, Alan had just finished showering. Noticing the absence of anyone in their room, he frowned.

"Alina, has Kaitlin left?"

“No, sir, she's in the study."

"In the study?"

"Do you want me to call her?"

Alan shook his head, content just knowing she was still there. He wanted to avoid his grandmother's nagging the next morning.

Later, an exhausted Kaitlin returned to their room. She dropped her phone on the table and headed for the shower, craving nothing more than a hot shower and a peaceful sleep.

She hoped Alan wouldn't disturb her.

Alan heard the sound of water running in the bathroom and swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Just then, Kaitlin's phone buzzed with a new message.

Overcome by curiosity, Alan stood and walked over to take a Look.