The Billionaire's Forbidden Longing

Allison didn't have to lift a finger; Shirley had already taken a beating.

"Cleo, it's your big day today. Don't get your hands dirty!"

Cleo finally stopped, and Shirley was about to lose it. She called the Walker family, and Declan showed up.

"Allison, are you okay? You better be fine, or Alexander will kill me!" Declan arrived and ignored Shirley. Instead, he fussed over Allison, which made Shirley even angrier.

Shirley asked, "Declan, whose side are you on? Why worry about her?"

"Shirley, it seems you haven't been slapped enough. Have you forgotten who Allison belongs to? We're on good terms with the Carter family, but it's me, not you! And this mall belongs to the Carter Group. Do you have to pick a fight here?" Declan was exasperated. If he hadn't gotten a call about Allison, he wouldn't have bothered coming.

Shirley said, "Declan, I'm the one who got hit!"

Declan nodded. "Then you must have pissed her off. Why else would Ms. Bennett hit you?"

Shirley grumbled, "You... you're siding with an outsider! Just wait, I'll go to Paxton for justice!"

Seeing Shirley storm off, Allison curiously looked at Declan. "She's going to your dad. Is that okay?"

Declan snorted. "She's wasting her time. My dad just took my mom on a trip. They won't be back for a while. Even if he were here, it wouldn't matter. He's fed up with Miles' family and doesn't answer their calls anymore."

Hearing this, Allison felt relieved. It was lunchtime, and Declan offered to treat her. Allison called Alexander.

Alexander arrived quickly after getting the call. While ordering, he fussed over Allison, making Cleo roll her eyes.

"Why do I feel like, Allison, you didn't marry a husband but found a dad?" Cleo muttered under her breath. Allison was drinking water and choked, coughing violently. Alexander's face changed, and he quickly held her, glaring at Cleo. "Breathe slowly, or your wound will hurt. There, there, breathe slowly."

Leaning on Alexander's shoulder, Allison's coughing did hurt a bit, but she could bear it.

Allison responded, "I'm fine. Don't make such a fuss."

Alexander said, "I shouldn't have let you go out. You need to rest and heal, but you never listen!"

Allison looked at Alexander, amused. He really did seem like a father taking care of a child.

Alexander said, "After lunch, go home and rest. No going out for the next few days, got it?"

Allison nodded. She didn't mind staying home. She could monitor things from there, and with New Year's coming, the Carter family would gather, which she loved.

Allison ate very little at lunch, not because the food wasn't good, but she just couldn't eat much. Alexander frowned the whole time, and Declan and Cleo exchanged glances, not daring to make a sound.

After lunch, Alexander took Allison home. She fell asleep in the car and didn't wake up when Alexander carried her to their room.

Jessa and Liliana were busy prepping the New Year's Eve menu. Alexander changed clothes and was about to head to the office.

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Liliana said, "Alexander, the Carter Group's annual party is coming up. Don't forget to bring Allison so everyone can meet her!"

Alexander nodded. "I've already ordered her dress. Liliana, help me pick out some jewelry. See if there's anything good at the recent auctions. I want to buy something special for Allison."

Liliana nodded, not thinking Alexander's spending was excessive. "Yes, we should get more. I noticed Allison doesn't wear much jewelry. The pieces Mom left are too old- fashioned. I'll find something suitable for her. But you know Allison is a designer herself, right?"

Alexander paused and turned to Liliana, clearly surprised.

Liliana asked, "Allison didn't tell you? She owns several top-brand stores, including

fashion, jewelry, and cosmetics. These are her side businesses."

Jessa's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Is there anything Allison can't do?"

Liliana smiled. "She can't cook. Jessa, never let her in the kitchen. She says her cooking could poison people!"

Jessa and Liliana laughed, and Alexander smiled too. Allison's talents were impressive, and he felt the pressure.

Back at the office, Alexander called James to discuss the year-end bonuses, which were lower than the Bennett Group's.

James said, "Mr. Carter, is this appropriate? The Bennett Group's bonuses are quite high. If ours are lower..."

Alexander replied, "So what? Can I outdo Allison? That would make her look bad!"

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James had no choice but to relay the order. The executives, curious about the lower bonuses, asked James for an explanation.

James gave a standard reply: Alexander said the Carter Group's bonuses couldn't exceed the Bennett Group's.

The Carter Group's employees were resigned. Even their bonuses had to show off their boss's love life.

When Allison woke up, Mia was home from school. She ran to Allison and hugged her. "Allison, great! We can spend New Year's together!"

Allison hugged Mia back, and they played on the couch. Mia asked, "Allison, what did Alexander get you for New Year's?"

A gift?

Allison thought of the Christmas tree with all the presents. Could there be more for New Year's?

Allison asked, "Should I get him a gift too?"

Mia thought for a moment and nodded. "Yes! I got Hunter a watch. I designed it, and my mom had it made."

So thoughtful. Allison felt a bit troubled since she hadn't prepared anything.

Scratching her head, Allison looked outside and then went to find Liliana. Soon, she and Mia were heading out.