Raphael POV
At Royal Group.
The mood in the meeting room was somber. Everyone had their heads down and looked very cautious.
I sat in the main seat and tapped my fingers on the desk surface.
My secretary, Laurel, stood up and whispered, "Mr. Lancaster, we're all here. Is the meeting ready to begin?"
I frowned slightly.
"Is the representative from Creaty Company here?"
Suddenly, a woman's voice rang out.
"Mr. Lancaster, how are you? I'm the assistant general manager of the Creaty Company. My name is Leanna Elliston."
She stood up and said respectfully, "Ms. Chancey has given me full responsibility for this project with Royal Group..."
My eyes turned cold. Everyone dared not look at me and lowered their heads.
I pursed my lips and stared at Leanna.
Was Araceli going to keep running away?
Wouldn't she even see me?
I took out my phone and dialed a number.
When the phone beeped, I suddenly realized what I was doing.
I actually wanted to call Araceli and ask her why she wasn't coming...
Was I crazy?
But the call had already been made, so I didn't want to hang up abruptly.
"Mr. Lancaster?"
A soft voice came from the other end of the phone. It was Araceli.
Her voice was a little hoarse today.
I took a deep breath and calmly said, "Today is the review meeting for the collaboration project between Creaty and Royal Group. As the first person in charge, you were absent. Shouldn't you give me an explanation?"
"Mr. Lancaster, I gave all the information of this review meeting to my assistant, Leanna. I was involved in every step and also double-checked. I believe the details of this project will not let you down."
The voice on the phone was calm and relaxed.
I don't know why, but I can even imagine how Araceli looked when she said that. It was as if her face was in my mind, and it wouldn't go away.
I paused and said calmly, "I've read the review packet. Ms. Chancey, do you have time tonight? I'd like to invite you to dinner and discuss the details of the project with you carefully."
When I said this, all the people in the conference room were shocked. Their eyes all fell on the pile of information in front of Leanna.
I glanced at them and waited for Araceli's reply.
"Sorry, Mr. Lancaster, I'm not available this evening."
Araceli's voice is calm.
My eyes grow cold. "Then are you free tomorrow night?"
I had to see Araceli. If I didn't make things clear, Araceli might avoid me forever.
I didn't do it for any other reason, but I didn't want Essel to be upset.
Araceli paused and said, "Sorry, Mr. Lancaster, I promised Essel that I would make her dinner every night."
I froze.
Hadn't Araceli not been to my house for days?
Why...
"Ms. Chancey! I'll take you to my room..."
Suddenly, Essel's soft voice came faintly from the phone receiver.
I suddenly felt my heart softened a lot, and all my discontent dissipated at once. I subconsciously and gently said, "Okay."
I hung up the phone and glanced at everyone in the conference room.
Everyone hurriedly hung their heads and flipped through the papers, pretending not to have heard anything.
"This is the end of today's meeting."
I pushed back my chair, stood up, and said coldly.
Leanna froze for a moment and stood up in a hurry, saying, "Mr. Lancaster, the review meeting hasn't started yet..."
"I am satisfied. You can execute this project as soon as possible according to the document."
I took a big step towards the outside. The bodyguards and secretaries hurriedly followed me.
I stride to the elevator entrance. The elevator door had just opened and a tiny boy in a suit stepped out.
It was Micah.
He was so cute. A warm feeling welled up in my heart.
"Daddy, where are you going?"
Micah knew there was going to be a judging session today. He had been interested in the core of Araceli's original technology, so he made a point of coming over.
I calmly said, "The meeting ended early. If you have any questions, come to my office later. Let's discuss it properly."
Micah pursed his lips.
"Is Ms. Chancey here yet?"
He sounded faintly expectant.
I said, "Ms. Chancey is at the Royal Pack right now, getting ready to cook dinner for Essel."
Micah's eyes widened in dismay.
"Really?"
I nodded.
Micah was silent for a moment and whispered, "Ms. Chancey is a genius celebrated by everyone in the AI industry. I have a few questions I'd like to ask her."
His implication was that he wanted to go home immediately.
Micah turned around and followed me.
When I got downstairs, Micah didn't get into his car, but sat in the back seat of my car.
I was about to start the engine when I suddenly thought of something, so I took out my phone and dialed out again.
Valeria and Krish were still at daycare, and I had to go pick them up.
I had to pick them up. ...
"Please, Mr. Lancaster."
Araceli's voice was a little surprised.
I didn't expect Araceli to agree so easily and smiled, "It's no problem."
Micah, in the back seat, asked, "Daddy, are we picking up Valeria and Krish from daycare?"
"Yes."
I thought for a moment and said, "If you don't want to go, I can have the driver drive you back first."
Micah looked a little hesitant.
After a while, he said, "I'm done with the company. Let's go together."
Micah's voice trailed off. I glanced in the rearview mirror. His ears are slightly red.
I smiled inwardly.
Micah always hides his inner emotions. I think he likes Krish and Valeria.
The car drove slowly.
Micah looked out the window and didn't say another word.
Not long after, the car stopped in front of the daycare.
I looked at my watch.
It was still a few minutes before school ended.
I got out of the car and headed for the front door, with Micah following behind me.
Suddenly, the bell rang.
The children came out one by one, led by their teachers. I stood outside the door, waiting, looking for Krish and Valeria.
I didn't know why, but I was suddenly looking forward to seeing them.
The warm rays of the setting sun spilled from among the leaves and fell on my body. Inexplicably, I felt very comfortable.
Micah unconsciously took my hand.
Children passed by us and let out exclaims.
"Wow, that gentleman and Krish look alike!"
"Krish, is this your daddy? Your daddy looks cool!"
"Krish, isn't that little boy your brother? He looks exactly like you!"
I frowned slightly. Krish and Valeria were standing not far away from me, watching me.
Krish pursed his lips and tried to explain. Suddenly, Valeria suddenly shook off his hand and rushed towards me excitedly.
I knelt down and took her into my arms.
Valeria hugged my neck, smiled and said to Krish, "Krish, Mr. Lancaster is here!"
I shuddered, my heart suddenly welling up with a feeling of satisfaction like never before.
Krish watched the scene from afar, turned back to his teacher and classmates, said goodbye, and walked slowly up to me.
We got into the car.
I was driving and the three kids were in the back seat.
Micah coughed twice and pulled a handful of colorful candies out of his coat pocket with a red face.
"Valeria, what flavor of candy do you like?"
"She doesn't like candy."
Krish calmly stopped.
Micah's hand lurched and reached out to Krish.
"Then you want some?"
Micah shoved the candy into Krish's hand, giving Krish no chance to even refuse.
Krish pursed his lips and whispered, "Thanks."
I looked at the three children in the rearview mirror and a warm feeling surfaced in my heart.
The car drove smoothly on the road. Ten minutes later, it arrived at Royal Pack's villa.
Krish froze a little. "Mr. Lancaster, I'm sorry, but could you please take us home..."
I unbuckled my seat belt and said, "Your mommy is cooking at Royal Pack right now. You'll have to stay here for dinner."
Krish froze again.
I was about to help Valeria unbuckle her seatbelt when I noticed that Micah had already gotten out of the car with Valeria in tow.
I pushed open the car door. The sound of laughter came out clearly from the villa.
It was Essel's happy laughter.