Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 556

She just felt incredibly awkward. Perhaps it was because they were staying at someone else's house, making her too shy to act naturally.

"After breakfast, I'll go finalize the deal with Gideon, and then we can head back to Capital City tomorrow, okay?"

Even though Ivy didn't reply, Alaric knew she was listening.

Only by bringing Ivy and Stella back home could they truly enjoy their life as a couple.

Staying at Mason's place was far too inconvenient.

"You two can go back, but Stella stays here."

Mason interjected sharply.

Alaric looked at him. "Are you seriously trying to fight me for Stella's custody?"

Mason met his gaze, his attitude unyielding.

"I'm not fighting you for it. Stella's custody was supposed to be mine from the start. Sylvia only gave her to you because Sebastian took that knife for you, and she figured you were the safest choice."

"But you know exactly how close Sebastian and I were. So I'm asking you not to fight me on this."

Alaric was rendered speechless.

He was fully aware of the bond between Sebastian and Mason.

Not only had they grown up together, but they had shared a bed in college and practically swapped clothes like brothers.

Logically, Mason raising Sebastian's daughter made the most sense.

But little Stella had been by Alaric's side for five years; he already saw her as his own flesh and blood.

He loved that little girl. He couldn't just drop her out of his life.

Alaric's face darkened, his tone turning frigid.

"Mason, you know exactly what your mother is like. She would never tolerate having Stella around you. For the sake of Stella's safety, I have to take her away."

"That's none of your concern. If I decide to keep her here, I am more than capable of protecting her."

Mason refused to yield an inch. He was dead set on keeping Stella.

The little girl listened from the sidelines, utterly confused, having no idea what her dad and this uncle were arguing about.

Ivy didn't dare say a word, either.

With the tension in the room, she genuinely feared the two men might come to blows over the child's custody.