At the Oasis mansion,
Alvin got the news that they didn't have to do anything because the cops took the Sallows to the police agency and detained them. He guessed Anya was prepared beforehand.
However, Gianna's visit to Owen's parents was still sensitive. He silently noticed Anya being calm and happy with Zane when they had dinner in a restaurant and arrived at the mansion. He understood she had no idea yet.
At nine, putting Zane to bed, Anya went to look for Alvin who was unusually silent and too serious after they left the Nest regency.
She peeked inside his bedroom and went to the study room where he was working. "What happened? Work stress?" She asked, standing on the other side of the desk.
Alvin signaled her to go near him as he continued to type on his laptop. Going around the desk like a little obedient girl, Anya stood by him.
Before she could react, she was on his lap, with his arm wrapped around her waist and his other hand smoothly continuing to work on his laptop.
Anya clenched her teeth and chided herself. She should have known he was up to something, yet she went to him like a fool. He was right, she was Goofball.
She tried to get up but he pressed her down on his lap, she snapped at him, "Alvin Matthews, do I look like a little girl to you?"
Alvin glanced at her who was masking her embarrassment with anger but her flushed cheeks, chewing her lips gave her away. "And who said only a little girl sits on the lap?" He deadpanned.
Anya: "…"
She had heard and seen couples taking years to get close. And here they were, in just two weeks, they kissed, cuddled to sleep and she was already sitting on his lap. What's next?
She felt her cheeks burn at the wild thoughts. 'Oh lord. I need to flee.'
She thought hard, watching his side profile, chiseled jawline, and the lashes that itched her to touch them.
Alvin glanced at her due to her silence and she threatened, "I won't let you enter my room tonight." She pretended like she was planning to let him cuddle her again.
Alvin's fingers paused on the keyboard and his lips curled to an enticing arc, which caught her eyes. "Little Donut…" He brushed her chin up to make her look at his eyes, or else he might end up kissing her… All night. "Your little trick won't work on me."
Anya: "…"
Was she so readable? She planned to sleep in her son's room by tricking him into her bedroom.
Alvin chuckled seeing her give in by leaning on him to a comfortable position and sulked. He would have let her go if she was so uncomfortable, it wasn't required anymore.
He continued to work thinking she would speak with him getting over the shyness but she dozed off in no time.
'Goofball.' She trusted him too much when he didn't have much trust in his self-control around her. He supported her back with his arm as he worked with a hand.
He heard her mobile go off on the desk. He quickly grabbed it and muted it without disturbing her sleep.
'CO William, Basin.'
Alvin discerned it was a call from the Commanding officer of Basin city where her hometown was located. Glancing at her sleeping peacefully, he breathed a sigh.
When she arrived in the study room, worried about him, he guessed the news hadn't reached her yet. So he didn't respond to her question or let her leave his sight, in case the call came after it. His plan worked, now she doesn't have to run to her hometown in the middle of the night.
Shortly, Rob entered the study room after a knock on the door. He paused in shock, seeing Anya asleep in Alvin's arms. He recalled Alvin from two weeks ago and the current version, and cold ran down his spine.
Sensing it could be about the Matthews, Alvin carried the sleeping princess to her son's room and laid her on the bed.
Anya woke up hazily and mewled sleepily, "Alvin…" and heard his deep soothing voice, "Sleep…."
He had left her mobile in his study purposefully. If she wakes up and tries to find it, she will definitely lose her sleep. Thus he moved her hand to reach Zane on the bed.
Her lips curled when she found a little frame on the bed "Good night." Her voice faded, slipping back to sleep.
...
"Boss, Chairman Matthews has reached the police agency. It seems the two will have to spend their night in the police agency. Chairman Matthews checked into a small hotel in the town." Rob visibly hid his delight while reporting it.
Alvin crossed his legs and leaned back on his chair. His eyes brushed over Anya's phone. He got a clear view of the situation. The phone call from the commanding officer wasn't to update Anya about Gianna and Gabriel. Instead, to pressure her or request her to identify Gianna so that the latter could be released immediately.
Looks like Gianna's unlucky days have started. The call from the Commanding Officer came after Anya reached Alvin. If not, Anya would have lost a good night's sleep in worry of her parents and angered due to Gianna.
Rob probed, "Should we tip-off to the media?" This time, Casper wouldn't be able to control the news like last time. The Matthews will lose their face terribly.
Alvin grunted, "No." It wasn't because those were Matthews, or his father or stepmother. Pulling them into the limelight will bring up the Owen family name. It will be hazardous for the Owen family who will have to face the annoying media.
Alvin cued Rob to leave with the last instructions, "We are visiting the Owen family tomorrow." He changed the aim of the visit.
"I will make the necessary arrangements," Rob responded and took his leave.
—————
Meanwhile in the small hotel room of a small town,
Casper breathed heavily in fury. He looked out of place in the small room which was simple, clean, and tidy.
Secretary Harrison wiped his cold sweat repeatedly as Casper was holding back his rage while pretending like he was worried about his wife in the police agency. He contacted and spoke...!? No, requested with a few higher officers, and politicians, yet nothing worked out.
They had also tried to meet Dennis and Catalina as their statement could bring Gianna out but the cops denied them firmly without allowing Casper to meet them. So only Anya could help them.
Thus Harrison doubted whether Casper was angry at Gianna for mindlessly appearing at the Owen family and creating a ruckus or angry at Anya Owen who had a mysterious identity and more power and influence than Casper Matthews.
For odd reasons, Harrison who grew up in a middle-class family, strangely felt proud of Anya Owen who grew from nothing to something and was playing these arrogant wealthy people on her fingers.
---------
In the police agency,
It was a small station as it was in a small town. The male and female cells were opposite each other. Gianna stood by the door, holding the bars. Although everything looked clean, it wasn't up to her standard. Hence she refused to sit, determined to pass the night on heels.
In the opposite cell, Gabriel had cooled down. He was sitting, leaning against the wall, watching his sister who was disgusted at every noise, smell, and snore of the other people.
"Sister Gianna, every dog has its day, isn't it?" Gianna had troubled Alvin for more than two decades. Now the direction of the wind changed.
Gianna gritted her teeth hearing the taunt. She wasn't going to be the prey of two. However her fear wasn't just for Alvin or Anya, Casper also. She will lose her freedom. Casper was never a gentleman. He will start to control her like a puppet.
Gabriel shook his head, denying his own words, "No… This is Karma. You were planning against them and karma slapped back instantly." He laughed mockingly, hiding his nervousness.
He was trying to get away from Alvin, yet Alvin was appearing everywhere. Alvin attacked the Sallow family to teach Gianna a lesson, then Alvin was trying to adopt Gabriel's illegitimate daughter he was hiding. Now, he ended up in prison for following his sister. He swore in his mind to avoid Gianna after getting out of the bars safely.
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