His Destructive, Toxic Love

Eliza shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just a job. Doesn't matter if I like it or not."

"I think you have the right skills to do great here. If you don't like it, I can move you to another department."

"This is fine."

She didn't even glance at the salary or stock options and just signed her name on the dotted line.

After signing, she handed the contract back to Casper. "I'll start as soon as I get my son settled in daycare."

"There are plenty of daycare options in Falconridge, both boarding and day programs, and of varying quality. If you need help, I could..."

Eliza cut him off. "No need, I can manage on my own." She wasn't rich, but she wasn't that strapped for cash either.

He handed her a card. "Use this for the kid's tuition."

"I don't need it," she said, her voice steady and cold.

"I didn't mean anything by it," he said. He just wanted to help her out.

Eliza eyed him coolly. "I can take care of my own son."

"Why are you so hostile towards me?" he asked, feeling a bit hurt.

"My child has nothing to do with you."

There was no arguing with that. Brock wasn't his kid. But he wanted to be kind to Eliza, and she kept pushing him away.

"It doesn't matter if it's my business or not. Can't I just help with tuition?"

"Mr. Casper, save your money for your own future kids," she said, leaving no room for his feelings.

Fine then. He pocketed the card angrily, grabbed his jacket, and drove off to work.

Eliza went upstairs to wake Brock, had breakfast with him, and played a bit before heading out. Falconridge had the best educational facilities, but choosing a daycare was a real headache.

After checking out a few that didn't meet her standards, she finally bit the bullet and chose an expensive private daycare that offered good food, lodging, and education

Brock was young, and she didn't want to compromise on his upbringing. She stood at the corner of the street and flagged down a cab to go home. Then she looked up... and saw Aaron.

What was he doing here?

"Aaron," she said, her face mostly calm but with a hint of surprise. "you..."

"I heard you're back with Casper?" His face was a mix of worry and reproach. "How could you? Did he threaten you? Tell me, I'll talk to him."

Aaron's agitation was unusual. In the past, he was always so calm and sometimes even defended Casper.

"He saved Brock that day, and I was grateful, so I agreed to work for him for a while. Don't read too much into it."

Eliza's explanation was light. But Aaron's frown deepened. "Just work? But you moved back to the Welton family estate." "I'll just be doing some caretaker work." She didn't get into details.

"You should've talked to me," he

said, his eyes showing that familiar look of concern. "There are other ways to repay a favor. This is too much."

"It's not a sacrifice. I just don't like owing favors." She gave him a knowing smile.

Aaron opened his mouth as if to say more, but it turned into. "I'm sorry, Eliza. There's something I need to apologize for." "Aaron, what is it?"

"The time Brock had his accident... he looked pained, his eyes reddening....actually, Brock feltin the sea while playing with me I lied. I'm sorry."