"It is," he agreed. He placed his endows on the table and intertwined his fingers together. "And if I am being accused of sleeping with Ambrose, I don't mind taking responsibility for her. I mean, she is a woman amongst women. Who wouldn't want her?"
Silence ensued as his words hung heavily in the air. All eyes stared at him, but he didn't seem bothered by it. Rather, he had a small smile on his lips, and his eyes remained on Sara, who gazed back at him expressionlessly.
"That has got to be a joke, right, Uncle?" Adam couldn't accept it. He would lose everything if he couldn't marry Sara. It would be worse if she were to marry Alexander. How could he call her his aunt? There was no way in hell that was happening.
"I am not an irresponsible man, my dear nephew. I will take responsibility as long as M8ss Ambrose doesn't mind. We can even get married today if she wishes," Alex uttered only to receive glares from many seated at the table. "You won't have to worry about her becoming your wife because she will be your aunt then," he added, knowing that Adam would hate it.
"That is going too far, Alex. Even if she is no longer with Adam, she is your nephew's ex. You can't just marry her.
"Yeah, you can't,"Olivia added, and Alex only smirked.
He didn't have to say anything because he would marry Sara, sooner or later. It was only a matter of when.
"Grandpa," Sara called, having enough of his nonsense. Mr Crawford turned to look at her, and she smiled, which had him smiling too. "Today has been a busy day. I would like to return early and have some rest. With your permission, of course," Alex may be her boss in the office, but here, he was just another Crawford, one whom she could ignore if she wanted to and did.
"Yes, of course," Mr Crawford uttered a bit flustered. Even amidst the anger she felt, she still sought permission to leave. It was moving. "Once again, I am sorry for what you had to endure. I will not pursue your engagement with this brat anymore. You are free to do as you wish."
"Thank you, Grandpa," Sara beamed and stood up. She didn't want to be here a second long, so she headed out immediately.
By the time Sara arrived at her appeasement, fatigue overwhelmed her. She managed to drag herself to the bed and took off her shoes before falling flat on the bed, eyes staring at the ceiling.
It had been a long day, and even Nighy felt stretched, and now it was time to sleep, but even with the fatigue, she could get him off her mind.
"What a shameless bastard," she muttered but smiled subconsciously. He was brave and shameless in his pursuit of her heart. Sara didn't think she would ever love, and she wouldn't give that hope. She didn't want a man, and that is what she would stand by.
But experiencing courtship again had its own thrills. Especially if the man is as shameless as Alex. He nearly gave her a heary attack when he spoke about taking responsibility and marrying her. He sounded as if they were both in agreement, but she also had to admit that when he mentioned her becoming Adam's aunt, she was tempted to test the waters.
"Sleep, Sara, you've got work tomorrow," she said to herself. Placing a hand over her eyes as if that was all that was needed for her sleep. "How I wish I didn't have to see him," she sighed, but what could she do? He had blatantly rejected her resignation before, so for his personal interest, Sara couldn't see that changing anytime soon.
°°
°°
Later at the Crawford Manor,
After dinner and everyone retired to their respective rooms and Mr Crawford withholding a few shares that were under the management of Adam, Mr Crawford walked into the room of his youngest son.
Alex had initially wanted to leave and catch up with Sara, but he didn't think she would need some time to herself, especially now. But knowing the dangers out there for a young woman alone at night, he had his driver take her back, and he stayed behind upon his father's persistence.
"I was wondering why you suddenly came back, but now, I think I know why," Mr Crawford said, and Alex raised a brow. "It's Sara, isn't it?"
"It is," Alex replied, and Mr. Crawfird sighed.
"Did you orchestrate what happened between them?" He was doubtful, but he knew his children well. But what he did not expect was for Alex to have any feelings for the woman who was betrothed to his nephew.
"I was going to do that, I would have done it long ago, Father. Besides, no one needs to plan to take down the kid when he is already orchestrating his own doom," Alex said as he poured himself a glass of wine and another for Mr Crawforn which was kindly rejected with a wave of the hand.
"You are telling me that you had nothing to do with it?" He hoped it was as hebhad said because he would be disappointed and he didn't want thay happening.
"Mmm," Alex hummed.
"Good," Mr Crawford nodded, pleased that he wasn't being lied to. He stood up and turned around. He had much more to say and talk about, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. Not when some of it will anger Alex or evoke some memories that he didn't want to remember. While some, he wasn't certain. "Have a good night's rest, Kayden. And try to come home often. This place will always be open to you."
"I know," Alex said, but he didn't look at his father, who was the only person in the entire Crawford family that he still felt attached to. "I'll try to do that often."
"I look forward to it," Mr Crawfird said, truly looking forward to having him around.