Isabella felt that this couldn't go on. Alexander didn't want her to leave, but she had to go to work. If she moved out on her own...
Isabella glanced at Alexander sitting obediently by the French windows. Would he be sad if she left?
But where could she take him? He wasn't Thumbelina!
She ran her fingers through her hair and walked up to Alexander, sitting cross-legged on the floor. "Alex, let's discuss something, okay?"
Alexander looked up, his eyes fixed on her.
"I'll be going to work in a couple of days. The place I work is dangerous for Alex, so would you be a good boy and wait for me at home?" Isabella's tone was gentle. "I'll bring you cake when I come back, okay?"
With many people and props on set, it was indeed too risky for Alexander.
A visible sense of grievance appeared on Alexander's face. "No! Don't want cake! Want Izzy!"
Isabella felt a twinge of guilt. What had the little cutie done wrong? It was her fault! She was too heartless!
Isabella forced herself to be firm. "If the set gets busy, I won't have time for Alex. It can get chaotic, and accidents might happen."
She knew what she was like when she was working – Nothing can affect her.
Alexander pouted, turned his wheelchair away, ignoring Isabella.
Isabella shifted closer, speaking softly, "Don't be mad. Tomorrow, I'll buy you cake again."
Alexander lowered his head. "Can't sleep without Izzy."
"Huh?" Isabella blinked, thinking for a moment. "You mean you can't sleep because of a headache?"
These days, she massaged Alexander every night and learned about his frequent headaches. If she went out, would he have a headache every night?
A tiny, cartoonish version of Alexander appeared in her mind, alone in bed, holding his head, looking pitiful with teary eyes...
She couldn't continue with that thought.
Fine, she'd consult Richard tomorrow.
... ...
"You want to take Alexander out?" Richard sat behind the desk, looking at Isabella.
Margaret had already informed him about Isabella taking Alexander out the past two days. He didn't see it as a big deal.
Isabella nodded, smiling, "I remember you promised that if the wedding proceeded as planned, I would get a five percent share in the Bennett Group, right? I think, as an elder, you wouldn't break a promise to a junior, would you?"
Richard's eyes flickered. "Izzy, it's not that I won't give it to you. You know Alexander's situation. Dad is a businessman. If you and Alexander get divorced in the future, I can't afford to lose that five percent. How about this – when you have Alexander's child, I'll give the shares to your child. It's no different for the child and you, right?"
Isabella smiled, she knew this businessman wouldn't easily give her the shares.
Isabella said, "I don't want that five percent. I just need you to promise that I can take Alexander out anytime, anywhere."
"Just this?" Richard thought he misheard. "That's five percent of the Bennett Group. Are you giving up on it just for this little thing?"
"Yes."
Isabella nodded. Richard wouldn't give her the shares, and besides, she would eventually divorce Alexander. When that happened, the shares would only complicate matters. It was better to make a small request now.
After thinking for a moment and weighing the pros and cons, Richard said, "Okay, I promise you."
In the courtyard, Alexander wore a Bluetooth earpiece, watching the confrontation between Isabella and Richard on his computer. He only took off the earpiece when Isabella left the study. Leaning back in his wheelchair, he felt something tingly in his chest.
Richard was unwilling to give up the five percent share, but the clever woman had found a way to get what she wanted – unrestricted outings.
This woman was really not good at doing business.
But...
Alexander placed his hand on his chest. Why did it feel a little ticklish here?