Chapter 378: Chapter 378 I Owe Them Too Much 1

As Alfred had posed the question, Henry didn’t lie to him.

He flashed a calm smile.

Alfred felt a bit jealous, but he took a sip of coffee to conceal his feelings.

Henry flipped through a magazine as he commented, “Uncle Alfred, you could do the same if you’re willing to prioritize Melora over everything else. The project is nearing its conclusion, and there shouldn’t be any unexpected developments.”

Alfred accepted the advice.

Berthold bounded down the stairs, and upon seeing Alfred still present, he blushed and nestled into Alfred’s arms, addressing him as “Daddy.”

Alfred patted the little boy’s head.

Berthold gazed at him eagerly. “When the snow gets heavy, can you build a snowman with me?”

Alfred said nothing.

He placed his son on his lap and retrieved a piece of candy from his pocket, handing it over to Berthold with a warm smile.

Berthold placed the candy in his mouth and continued gazing at him eagerly.

Alfred wanted to stay and keep his son company, but he had to leave. His work at the base still awaited. him.

He hesitated.

Sensing his hesitation, Henry picked Berthold up and gave the little boy a pat. “Go upstairs and play with Christopher. I need to talk to your daddy.”

At once, disappointment crept up Berthold’s face.

However, he still obediently went upstairs.

Inwardly, Alfred felt awful.

Berthold was already five years old, but as his father, Alfred couldn’t spend much time with him. He felt like an irresponsible parent for not being able to agree to play in the snow with his son.

Seeing his expression, Henry knew that he was in a foul mood.

He couldn’t interfere in Melora and Alfred’s relationship as they both had feelings for each other.

He had always wished for Melora’s perseverance to pay off, so he refilled Alfred’s cup of coffee. After pondering briefly, he asked, “Uncle Alfred, what are your plans after this project comes to an end?”

Alfred held his cup as he stared at the snow outside.

He knew what Henry was getting at.

In a low voice, he said, “The Lodge family has a few businesses that the younger generation isn’t managing effectively. I might consider taking them over and working to develop them.”

Henry did not say anything more.

Alfred’s flight was at four in the afternoon, but he bade goodbye to them at two.

Henry knew the reason behind his actions.

After giving his son one last hug, Alfred stepped out of the house into the snow. When he got into the car, Leslie asked, “It isn’t time yet. Why are you already leaving?”

Alfred took off his leather gloves and gazed ahead.

“Head to the studio. Oh, and stop halfway so I can get some hot chocolate.”

Leslie couldn’t help but smile.

Knowing that his employer intended to visit Melora, he playfully teased, “I’m sure she’ll be absolutely delighted to see you.”

Alfred’s heart was laden with emotion.

A while later, he mumbled, “I owe them too much.”

Leslie initially wanted to comfort him but decided against it. He sighed softly.

It was snowing and chilly.

The studio wasn’t heated. Melora was shooting a shampoo ad in a summer dress. After a scene had wrapped, her assistant quickly draped a blanket around her.

Despite shivering from the cold, she edged closer to the camera to review the playback, her expression intensely focused.

Alfred was observing her at the door.

She had previously explained to him that while her job might not be important in his eyes, it was what allowed her to survive. So, even though he empathized with her, he refrained from disturbing her during her work.

Melora had spotted him.

The rest of the people at the studio were also looking at this elegant gentleman.

The director recognized Alfred, and instead of greeting him, he turned to Melora and whispered, “Is he here for you?”

Melora gazed at Alfred.

Leslie immediately stepped forward with the hot chocolates he just bought. “Mr. Lodge happened to pass by, so he decided to visit Miss Miller on set. He bought some hot chocolate for everyone on a cold day.”

He offered the warmest cup of hot chocolate to Melora.

Holding the cup, Melora approached Alfred, whose gaze was dark.

He shrugged out of his coat and put it over her shoulders, pulling the lapels close. “Why don’t you wear more clothes? You should be able to take care of yourself as an adult.”

He was chiding her, but his tone was gentle.

Melora regained her composure and asked, “Did you come here to visit me on purpose?”

Glancing around, Alfred asked, “Are you saying I came here deliberately to deliver hot chocolate to these men?”

Melora fell silent.

She took a sip of the hot chocolate, feeling the warmth permeate her. A sense of comfort and warmth washed over her heart.

“Are you not mad that I talked to you that way?”

Alfred gazed at her for a long time before flashing a smile. “You’re younger than me, so why would I get mad at you?”

He patted her head endearingly.

It was a tender gesture, akin to a husband bidding farewell to his wife before heading out.

Melora stood there in silence, unwilling to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.

Alfred told her in a low voice, “Head back as soon as you finish shooting. Berthold wants to build a snowman, so keep an eye on him. He gets a fever easily. Remember to drink more hot chocolate to warm up. Mom has always wanted to take you to Coldbridge for some rest and recuperation.”

Melora was in a daze.

Right then, shooting was about to commence.

She took off his coat and returned it to him, but he didn’t take it from her.

He whispered softly, “Wear it when you’re not shooting. How about we spend New Year’s at Coldbridge this year? I’ll drive both you and Berthold there.”