Chapter 36 Going to the Resort
When Allison hopped into the car, she accidentally spotted Yasmin. The moment she saw the girls hanging out with Yasmin, her eyes turned icy cold.
Five years ago, those same girls had publicly exposed some so-called evidence, and it just so happened to be Allison's thirteenth birthday. It was the first time her parents had ever thrown her a birthday party. Allison had thought her parents were finally acknowledging her, but she didn't expect to be knocked down so quickly.
Noticing Allison's shift in mood, Alexander glanced over. "What's up? You feeling okay?"
Allison forced a smile, but it looked more like she was about to cry. "Nah, just a bit tired."
"Uncle Alexander, I'm beat," Mia said as she flopped into the front passenger seat. Alexander glanced at her, feeling a bit helpless.
"Let's go," Alexander said, and James started the car, leaving the amusement park behind. Alexander looked out the window and saw Yasmin, wondering if Allison's mood had anything to do with her. Sitting in the car, Alexander sent a quick text and then turned to see Allison already asleep against the window.
Remembering she had a fever a few days ago, Alexander felt a pang of concern. He took off his jacket and draped it over her, catching Mia's surprised look in the rearview mirror.
When Alexander looked over, Mia quickly looked away and shrank back into her seat.
James, driving, found it amusing but kept his laughter to himself.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the resort, and Allison woke up. She noticed the jacket covering her and looked a bit surprised.
"You just got over a fever," Alexander explained. "Didn't want you to get sick again."
His explanation was solid, so Allison didn't think much of it and handed the jacket back. "Thanks, Mr. Carter."
Alexander took the jacket, feeling a bit frustrated. He didn't want her to call him "Mr. Carter," but given their situation, he had to deal with it.
"Go rest in your room for a bit," Alexander said. "James will sort out dinner, and we'll eat outside later."
Mia was thrilled. It was her first time here, and the beautiful scenery had her captivated. Allison also took in the surroundings, finding the place picturesque, like a scene straight out of a storybook. Clearly, building a beautiful resort like this in Skycrest wasn't easy. The land alone must've cost a fortune, not to mention the renovations.
"Is this the Carter Group's property?" Allison asked.
Alexander nodded. "The Carter Group bought this place twenty years ago and recently turned it into a resort. If you like it, you can stay here for a night. There's farmland and orchards at the foot of the mountain, all organic. You can go picking if you want."
Alexander's offer was tempting, and Mia was already eager to go, but Allison quickly dashed her hopes. "Maybe next time. We have school on Monday."
Alexander didn't push it. He just wanted Allison to know she could come here to relax whenever she wanted. Seeing how much she liked the place, he felt a subtle sense of anticipation. Little did anyone know, this wasn't actually the Carter Group's property but his own. It wasn't Alexander who bought it, but his mother, as a wedding gift for him.
He wondered if Allison would be shocked if she knew the truth. The thought made Alexander smile.
Alexander set up a courtyard villa for Allison and Mia. After a day of fun and sweat, they both headed to the guest room to shower and change.
The resort provided simple white T-shirts and shorts. Alexander and James also ditched their suits for casual wear.
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When Mia and Allison came to the yard, they saw James and Alexander busy with the barbecue.
Mia, always the outspoken one, exclaimed, "Uncle Alexander, how did you know I wanted barbecue? I love you so much."
Alexander rolled his eyes at her, feeling a bit helpless, but when he saw Allison, he couldn't look away.
Even in the same casual outfit, Allison looked stunning. Her long hair and delicate features made her look like a fairy.
Even though she was wearing slippers, to Alexander, even her toes looked exceptionally beautiful.
The T-shirt was a bit large, and when Allison came over to help, Alexander accidentally caught a glimpse of her collarbone and the faint outline of her chest, making him swallow hard. At that moment, Allison seemed like a budding flower, making Alexander want to hide her away so only he could appreciate her beauty.
Thinking of this, Alexander instinctively glanced at James beside him.
James did have a moment of amazement when he saw Allison, but he was quickly distracted by Mia, who was pestering him for barbecue, so he didn't keep his eyes on Allison. "Allison, you know how to barbecue?" Mia asked, as if discovering a new world.
Allison just smiled politely. Since she was kicked out of her home at thirteen, she had learned to do much more than just barbecue.
But the next moment, the brush she was using to apply sauce was taken by Alexander. "You sit and wait to eat. This is a man's job."
If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Alexander firmly directed Allison to sit with Mia and took over the barbecue.
Mia whispered, "Allison, let me tell you a secret. My uncle is an amazing cook. You have no idea how hard it is for us to get him to cook. Unless it's my mom, no one can make him do it." Allison wasn't surprised that Alexander could cook. Watching him barbecue, she thought he looked incredibly handsome and unique.
But when Allison realized what she was thinking, she paused for a moment. How could she find Alexander handsome and stare at him for so long? Blushing, she quickly took a sip of juice to hide her embarrassment.
There was no denying that Alexander's cooking was excellent, especially the Orleans grilled wings, the best Allison had ever tasted.novelbin
As they were enjoying the meal, a few unexpected guests arrived.
The newcomer teased Mia as soon as he entered. "I was wondering who Mr. Carter was entertaining when the manager told me. Turns out it's you."
Mia looked at the newcomer, then instantly put on a disdainful expression. "Hunter, why are you everywhere?"
Despite being teased, Hunter Shaw didn't get angry at all. Instead, he sat next to Mia. "What's with the attitude? Not happy to see me?"
Mia felt quite speechless.
Although Hunter was only twenty-two, he was a good friend of Alexander's and the youngest among them. He had always liked Mia, ever since they were kids. "Stop talking and get me some food. I'm starving." Mia ordered Hunter like a servant, but Hunter seemed to take pleasure in it, which astonished Allison a lot.