Araceli POV
The sun shines through the window.
I opened my eyes and always felt a little pain in my head, as if I hadn't slept well last night.
There was a soreness coming from my throat.
I got out of bed, drank a glass of water, and felt better.
I washed up and changed my clothes and went downstairs.
"Ms. Chancey, good morning!"
Essel was standing in the living room, smiling at me and waving her hand. She looked really adorable.
Last night, Essel was sleeping with Valeria. It was a small but very comfortable bed, which I had custom-made for Valeria.
I smiled and nodded.
"Good morning. Did you sleep well last night?"
"Ms. Chancey, come here. Look, here's the breakfast I made for you!"
Essel ran over and pulled me towards the table.
I was a little curious. Did Essel know how to cook?
"Ms. Chancey, here."
She handed me a plate with a few slices of apple cut into the shape of hearts.
I froze and couldn't help but laugh.
I had just almost thought that Essel had said that Raphael had made the breakfast.
Essel looked at me expectantly, so I picked up a slice of apple and put it in my mouth. With a deliberate look of surprise, I nodded my head and said, "This is great! Thank you, Essel."
Essel's cheeks flushed a little. Her eyes suddenly brightened, as if there were stars twinkling.
I stroked her head.
Suddenly, some sounds came from behind me. I turned around and saw that it was Raphael.
The corners of his mouth were slightly upward. He looked in a good mood, but he still used a magazine to cover his face so that no one could see his expression.
I didn't care, though.
Raphael coughed twice and said in a cold voice, "Essel, we have to go home now."
Essel's original smile suddenly disappeared.
She pouted, pulled my sleeve, and said reluctantly, "Ms. Chancey, can I stay here for a few more days?"
I stroked her head and said, "Honey, I have to go to work later. Krish and Valeria have to go to daycare, and it will be boring for you to stay here alone."
Essel whispered, "Can I come to see you more often in the future?"
"Of course. But..." I glanced at Raphael. "You have to ask your daddy's permission not to sneak out. Otherwise, I won't let you live here anymore."
"Okay!" Essel patted her chest. "Ms. Chancey, don't worry. I'll never sneak out from home again!"
I nodded and rubbed her head.
I glanced at Raphael. He had been standing behind Essel, watching us, not saying anything, but there was a slight look of shock in his expression.
I thought that maybe it was because Essel had promised me so decisively not to sneak out again.
"Ms. Chancey, thank you for keeping me and Daddy here for the night. I have to go now. I'll miss you."
Essel waved, turned around, and took Raphael's hand and walked out together.
Suddenly, Essel said, "Daddy, don't be sad. Next time I'll bring you over to stay with Ms. Chancey for one night..."
Raphael frowned slightly and glanced at me. After that, he pulled Essel and quickened his pace to walk out.
"Daddy! What are you doing walking so fast? Hey!"
I couldn't help but smile and shook my head, ready to make something to eat for Valeria and Krish.
We had breakfast and then I drove Valeria and Krish to Brizela Daycare.
On the way, I got a call from my assistant.
"Royal Group? OK, I'll be at the office in ten minutes."
I hung up the phone, frowned slightly, and stepped on the gas.
Krish's worried voice came through.
"Mommy, are you working with Royal Group yet?"
I wasn't surprised, because I'd known he'd ask this.
"Royal Group has a smart program development project for cell phones. After I learned about it, I found that there is no similar competitive product on the market yet, so I am quite interested."
I glanced at the car's rearview mirror and saw Krish lower his head. There was some uneasiness in his eyes.
I guessed that he didn't want me to have too much contact with Raphael. I didn't know why, but Krish was repulsed by Raphael to begin with.
"Krish, are you okay?"
Krish had been in a low mood since yesterday. He seemed to be in a bad mood.
"Mommy, I'm fine." Krish squeezed out a smile, "Mommy, I don't want you to get too close to Mr. Lancaster and his daughter."
I frowned slightly, now I knew what he was thinking.
The car drove smoothly down the road. It didn't take long for us to reach Brizela Daycare.
I pulled over to the side of the road, turned back, and whispered, "Krish, Mr. Lancaster is actually a very nice person. Valeria's autism has gotten better when he's around, right? More contact with him will help Valeria's condition. I know you'll understand."
Krish nodded his head. "Mommy, I know."
I frowned slightly, looking at the emotions in his eyes that were like dark clouds hanging over them.
Krish led Valeria's hand down to the car, waved at me, and walked into Brizela Daycare.
I smiled at them and waved. After watching them go in, I drove to the office.
Eliezer helped me recruit a few employees. As soon as I arrived, they greeted me with respect, "Ms. Chancey."
I nodded at them and took the papers into the conference room.
The person Royal Group sent over this time was the manager in charge of the project. He was sitting in the conference room, looking through the files.
"Hello, sir. I'm the managing director of Creaty, Araceli Chancey. It's a pleasure to meet you."
I walked in, smiled, and extended my hand toward him.
This man looked up, stared at my face, and was out of breath.