Chapter 65

Alston drove swiftly onto the road under the scorching sun. Despite the air conditioning in the car, there was no relief from the heat. When Gladys got into the car, she reached for her seatbelt, her innocent face full of romantic notions. The man glanced at her, feeling inexplicably irritated. What illness had he caught to be competing with Cecilia to take her daughter? Even if Cecilia's anxious expression earlier had amused him, did he really have to subject himself to babysitting for someone he disliked? It was only noon, and his father had arranged dinner. Did he have to return now and face scrutiny with Gladys in tow? He wasn't stupid. His father was convinced he had hit Cecilia. If he returned now, a whipping might be waiting for him! With Cecilia absent, who would pacify his father? He hit the brakes, and the Maserati came to a sudden stop at the roadside. Gladys lurched forward from the inertia. "Dad?" Alston shot Gladys a displeased glance. Whenever he encountered Cecilia, his