Chapter 177 The Pink RopeAlistair stared at the pink rope lying on their bed, thoroughly confused.Caroline channeled her CEO persona, all commanding presence. "Come here,honey."He obeyed without question."Sit.","Yes." He settled into the chair at the foot of the bed.Caroline picked up the rope, twirling it between her fingers. "Pretty, isn't it?""Absolutely. You and Eloise have excellent taste in colors."Her smile turned mischievous. "Good. Now give me your hands."Alistair extended both hands, wrists together.She wound the rope around them, finishing with an elaborate bow. "Like it?"His grin widened. "Love it. It's from you."Her gaze dropped meaningfully to his legs.)22:36napici 177 The Pink RopeTaking the hint, he pressed his ankles together.She repeated the process, creating another perfect bow around his legs."There." She stepped back to admire her handiwork. "Now, from this momenton-He leaned forward and planted a kiss on her forehead, derailing her train ofthought.She instinctively wiped at the spot. "Stop it.""You're wiping me off?" He gave her his best wounded puppy look. "Am I thatrepulsive?""Don't be dramatic.""Then why'd you wipe away my kiss?" He tilted his head. "Anyway, go on.""Go on what?""From this moment on?""Oh, right!" Caroline planted her hands on her hips, full boss mode activated."From this moment on, you're staying right here in this room. You're not goinganywhere!"2236Chapter 177 The Pink Rope17 201"Whatever you say.""You're not even gonna ask why?""Why would I? You're always right."His easy compliance only irritated her more."The internet's going crazy over you. Everyone's talking about how gorgeous youare, begging you to become an actor. Half of them want to marry you!"Alistair laughed, "So I'm pretty enough to make it inHollywood? That's news to me.""That's what you focus on?" She glared at him.He quickly backpedaled. "I don't want anyone else. Just you. Only you."Satisfied, she reached out to pinch his cheeks. He lifted his face eagerly,reminding her of Nugget begging for head scratches."When she bent to untie the rope around his wrists, he caught her hands. "Leavethe legs.""Why?""I'm finding this whole tied-up thing kind of... exciting." His voice dropped. "Comesit on my lap."22:36Chapter 177 The Pink RopeCaroline suddenly realized she'd walked right into her own trap"If you're so into being restrained," she said, flustered, "why'd you let me unticyour hands?"He moved his arms behind his back, his smile equal parts innocent and wicked."How else am I supposed to hold you?"Meanwhile, Vivienne lay in bed, Rebecca's words playing on repeat in her mind.A terrible possibility crept into her thoughts, making her break out in a cold sweat.She quickly sat up and grabbed her phone.Alistair was a VIP at her restaurant-she had his number.And it wasn't too late to call.This would be her first call to Alistair.Alistair had just finished untying his ankles when his phone rang. Vivienne's voicecame through, tense and urgent. "Sorry to bother you so late. I saw Rebeccatoday. She told me you didn't hurt her parents."Alistair calmly rolled up the pink rope and set it aside. Might come in handy later."I didn't."22:36Chapter 177 The Pink Rope"I think she knows who really did it."Alistair was stunned, and silence stretched between them.19 min left"Look, this is just my gut talking," Vivienne continued, nervous now. "I don't haveproof or anything, but I felt like you should know-"Alistair smiled, "Thank you. I got it."Caroline lay beside him. "She's a good person.""Yeah, she is." He pulled the blanket up over her.Caroline studied his face. "This thing keeps snowballing. You're not worried atall?"noveldrama"Why would I be? I didn't do anything wrong."Actually, his real confidence came from the Bane Breaker sitting in his systeminventory-his ace in the hole if things went south.But Caroline didn't know about his secret weapon. "Don't be naive, honey."He traced her cheek with his finger. "Actually, my biggest asset is you. Nothing'sgonna happen to me with you in my corner."Caroline had been investigating from the moment the smear22:37Chapter 177 The Pink Ropecampaign started.19 min leftShe was on the right track-the Morgan family and Paige were both on her radar.But whoever was behind this was too clever, too careful. Despite her best efforts,she hadn't found any smoking guns.Still, her resolve never wavered. "Don't worry. Nobody messes with you."Alistair rolled onto his side to face her, head propped on his hand. He watched herwith quiet intensity, his soft "Yeah" conveying absolute trust.He hadn't mentioned his suspicions about Mabel's health no point worrying herwhen he could handle it himself.He'd protect everyone he loved in his own way.The next day, Caroline called him just before lunch, "Honey, something urgentcame up. Don't bother bringing lunch today.""But I already made everything.""Save it for dinner. I really gotta go. Love you!"Alistair went to Vireon Technologies anyway.22:37Chapter 177 The Pink Rope19 min leftAs he waited for the elevator, the executive elevator opened and Gordon steppedout.The system's voice echoed in Alistair's mind, "You realize Caroline's 'urgentmatter' involves her father-and possibly you.Now you have two choices."Option One: Gordon is the richest man in America. You're nothing compared tohim. Though you suspect Caroline's been put in a difficult position, you decide-it'sbetter to avoid trouble. Since Caroline doesn't want you to worry, you can pretendignorance and let her handle it. Let her protect you.Option Two: Stop being Caroline's kept man. Face Gordon directly. Prove you'reworthy of his daughter."