Chapter 226

After leaving Gerald's grave, I felt an inexplicable surge of courage, knowing it was a gift from my father.

He made me fearless.

I went back home and had a good night's sleep. The next day, I was full of energy, ready to meet Alfonso for lunch at the place he had suggested.

When I arrived, Alfonso was already waiting for me in a private room.

He smiled slightly when he saw me.

"Hey, Ms. Sharp, long time no see."

I nodded and shook his hand.

I sat down and noticed the table was already filled with various dishes.

In front of me was a steaming plate of steak.

"Brandon once told me you like your steak well-done, so I ordered it especially for you."

"This restaurant has great food. I've only been in Suncrest City for a few days, but I've already fallen in love with it."

He gestured for me to try the food.

I shook my head. "I'm not hungry. Just tell me what you want to say."

"Do you want to talk about personal matters?"

"As far as I know, we don't have much of a personal relationship. Are you here to talk about Brandon?"

Alfonso didn't seem offended. He shook his head slightly. "Of course not. Why would I waste my time on a loser like him?"

"But what I want to discuss with you does involve him. I wonder if you're interested."

I shook my head decisively. "Sorry, but Brandon and I are divorced. I don't want to know anything about him."

"Marrying him was the biggest mistake of my life."

"Ms. Sharp, don't be angry. I'm sure you'll want to hear what I have to say next."

I was skeptical. I couldn't believe Alfonso had any news that would interest me.

I hadn't forgotten Royce's assessment of him-willing to do anything for his own gain.

So I couldn't trust anything he said. Better not to listen, not to know, not to trouble myself.

"What makes you so sure I want to hear what you have to say?"

"Mr. Carr, you're being too arrogant."

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving."

I grabbed my bag and stood up to go.

Just as my hand touched the door handle, I heard Alfonso's calm voice behind me.

"I heard your child was kidnapped in Silverpeak City recently?"

I froze, my steps halting.

I turned back, looking at him with a sarcastic smile. "Your information is quite up-to-date. You even know about that?"

"But I suggest you focus on your own company and stop prying into other people's family matters."

"It's not that I want to know, but some information just comes to me."

"Two years ago, when Brandon and I were drinking, he revealed a secret to me. A shocking secret."

To be honest, my curiosity was piqued by his dramatic buildup.

I had to admit, Alfonso was a good storyteller.

But I still didn't believe he had any real secrets.

"Keep your secret. I don't want to hear it."

I gripped the handle and opened the door. Just as I stepped out, I heard him say, "Your child was switched?"

That stopped me in my tracks. I had to look back at him.

Alfonso's face showed a subtle smugness, a look of having everything under control.

It annoyed me, this feeling of being manipulated by him, but I had no choice.

"How do you know?"

"Brandon told me when he was drunk."

"I've kept it in my heart all these years, never daring to forget."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms without feeling the pain.

"What exactly do you know?"

He picked up his wine glass, swirling it gently before taking a sip.

"Nothing much, just the whereabouts of your child."

"Brandon, of all people, chose to tell me this secret instead of his own wife."

I couldn't help but grit my teeth. It was a bitter irony.

Brandon could reveal such a secret to a stranger, but never mentioned it to me in all these years.

It only showed how little I meant to him.

Seeing my angry expression, Alfonso raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Sharp, do you want to know? I can tell you."

"What's the catch?"

He leaned back, crossing his legs.

"Dealing with smart people is always easier. I'll be straightforward. Your company is currently bidding on a project, right? I want that project."

"If I win the bid, I'll give you your child's location immediately, no delays."

I knew Alfonso's invitation had to be related to this project.

I gritted my teeth. "You know that's impossible."

"The decision isn't mine to make."

"As far as I know, the company's second-largest shareholder is Mr. Castillo, right? That gentleman is quite impressive and seems to have a close relationship with you. High school classmates, if I'm not mistaken?"

I was slightly surprised. I hadn't expected Alfonso to know so much about me.

I felt again the depth of his scheming, as Royce had warned.

"Yes, so what?"

"Just a few words from you to Royce, and the project will be mine."

"You know, for Ms. Sharp, this is a simple task."

"But it can get you the whereabouts of your own child. Isn't that worth it?"

I sneered. "Do you know how much that project is worth? Over two billion dollars. Can you handle that, Alfonso?"

"That's not for Ms. Sharp to worry about. Just say a few good words for me."

I felt a wave of dizziness. Looking at Alfonso's smug face, I wanted to tear that smile off.

I knew I couldn't do that. If he knew my child's location, he could pose a threat at any time.

If I angered him, the consequences would be unbearable.

But I couldn't hand this project to Alfonso.

"Let me think about it. This isn't a small matter. I need time to consider."

"I'll be waiting for your response, Ms. Sharp."

He stood up, straightening his suit, and waved at me.

I didn't look back, just turned and walked out.

As I closed the door, I stumbled.

Savannah rushed to support me. "What's wrong, Caroline? Did that bastard do something to you?"

"Tell me, and I'll go deal with him right now."

She was about to storm into the private room.

I quickly grabbed her hand, shaking my head wearily.

"Let's get out of here. He didn't do anything. I'll explain later."

Seeing my state, Savannah frowned and helped me to the car.