C16 DOES HE KNOW?

“What about Bailey?”

“What about her?”

“I don't like her, Carlos. You need to get rid of her.”

Vivian's sultry gaze was enough to make a man go crazy and do her bidding. But Carlos was more preoccupied by some disturbing thoughts.

He secretly admitted that he was worried about Bailey. Why would she hire a PI? Of all, it had to be Dimitri Volkov, the best in New York.

He felt like she was in trouble and there was this abominable need to protect her.

“Are you even listening to me?” Vivian scowled as she realized she was losing her touch on him.

“Yeah. I'm just going through a lot right now.” He muttered.

Sometimes, Carlos despised Vivian. He needed someone who could detect when he was sad and also console him. It seemed like her only care was sex, fame, and money.

“Well, you must get rid of Bailey. Choose between us.” She said, pouting.

Normally, that would have turned Carlos on and made him do whatever she wanted, but now it irritated him.

“I'm married to Bailey. I can't just get rid of her.”

Vivian's expression turned ugly as she stared at him. She couldn't believe that Carlos would ever speak to her so coldly.

“Are you falling for her? You love her right? What about us? Marry me, Carlos!” She screeched.

“Look, Viv. We have a wonderful agreement going on between us. Don't ruin it.” Carlos warned sternly.

“What's that supposed to mean? What am I to you, Carlos? Just a bed warmer?” She was raising her voice now as she ranted.

Due to her tirade, none of them noticed Henry Aston’s presence until it was too late.

Henry Aston walked in on them, his face a mask of utter fury. His piercing gaze fixed on Carlos and Vivian, his voice booming.

"Carlos, what is the meaning of this? I told you to stop this nonsense!" Henry's anger was palpable, the room crackling with tension.

Carlos stood up slowly, his demeanor calm but eyes cold, as he lied through his teeth.

"Father, it’s not what it looks like. Bailey knows about this meeting. It's strictly business."

Henry's eyes narrowed. "Business, you say? I find that hard to believe. You’ve been warned, Carlos. Your position as my successor is at stake."

Vivian, who hadn’t realized the gravity of the situation, tried to interject.

"Mr. Aston, we were…"

"Quiet!" Henry snapped, his gaze never leaving his son.

"I’ve had enough of your excuses, Carlos. You’re coming with me. Now."

Carlos clenched his jaw but nodded. "Fine. Let’s go."

Vivian looked bewildered, her earlier confidence shattered. As they made their way to the family house, Carlos remained silent, as he calculated his next move.

He couldn't risk his position for anything or anyone, even Vivian.

***

Bailey sat in the large living room of the Aston family mansion, her hands trembling slightly as she sipped her tea. Melanie sat beside her, offering a reassuring smile.

"Bailey, dear, everything will be alright," Melanie said softly. "Henry is just trying to protect the family."

Bailey nodded, though she wasn’t sure if she believed it. The front door opened, and she heard the heavy footsteps of Carlos, Henry, and Vivian approaching.

Her heart beat faster. What if Carlos told Henry about Noah? Then her father would destroy her.

Henry's eyes locked onto Bailey. "Bailey, we need to talk."

Bailey stood up, her expression calm but her heart racing. "Of course, Mr. Aston. What’s going on?"

Henry gestured to the sofa. "Sit down, all of you."

They obeyed, the tension thick in the air. Henry looked at Bailey, his voice stern.

"Bailey, Carlos claims you knew about this meeting with Vivian. Is that true?"

Bailey glanced at Carlos, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. His eyes were unreadable, but the message was clear as day.

Remember our deal.

"Yes, Mr. Aston. I knew about it. Carlos told me it was business-related. I trust him."

Henry's expression softened slightly, but his disappointment was still evident.

"Very well. But Carlos, this is your last chance. One more slip, and you're out."

Carlos nodded curtly. "Understood."

Henry turned to leave, but not before giving Vivian a final, disdainful look.

"And you, stay away from my son. Your presence is a distraction he cannot afford."

Vivian looked like she was about to protest, but Carlos squeezed her hand, signaling her to stay quiet. As Henry left the room, an uncomfortable silence settled over them.

Melanie, always the peacemaker, tried to lighten the mood. "Why don't we have dinner? It's been a long day for everyone."

Just as everyone dispersed to get ready for dinner, Melanie pulled Bailey aside to speak to her.

"Bailey, can we talk?" Melanie asked gently.

Bailey looked up, nodding. "Of course, Melanie. What’s on your mind?"

Melanie sat down beside her, her expression earnest. "I know things are difficult between you and Carlos. But I want you to know that I'm here for you, whatever you need."

Bailey smiled weakly. "Thank you, Melanie. It means a lot."

Melanie hesitated before continuing. "I’ve seen the way he treats you, Bailey. And it’s not right. You deserve better."

Bailey sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know, Melanie. But we have an agreement. As long as he keeps his end, I'll keep mine."

Melanie shook her head. "That’s no way to live, Bailey. You deserve to be happy."

Bailey looked away, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know if I remember what happiness feels like.”

Bailey retreated to her room, the tension of the evening catching up with her. As she walked down the dimly lit hallway, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Vivian, her eyes blazing with anger.

"Bailey, we need to talk," Vivian hissed, stepping closer.

Bailey raised an eyebrow. "Is this about Carlos again? I thought we settled this downstairs."

Vivian sneered. "You think you're so smart, don't you? Just stay away from him. Leave everything that has to do with him."

Bailey crossed her arms, standing her ground. "Carlos is my husband. Whether you like it or not, I’m not going anywhere."

Vivian's face twisted in rage. "You think you can just walk in here and take what’s mine? You're nothing compared to me."

Bailey's eyes flashed with defiance. "Maybe you should focus on your own life, Vivian, instead of trying to interfere in mine."

“What's yours? Don't forget that Carlos will never love you. He just married you for the sake of the company. All he needs is to endure a year with you, then you will be gone.”

Deep down, Bailey knew she was right and it hurt her. Carlos would never love her again.

“Yeah, whatever lets you sleep at night,” Bailey replied, acting nonchalant.

Vivian's hand shot up, ready to slap Bailey, but before she could make contact, a strong hand grabbed her wrist. Carlos stood there, his expression dark and furious.

"That's enough, Vivian," Carlos said coldly. "You don't touch my wife."