Sylvia took two steps forward and stopped in front of Odell. He cupped her face in one hand and gently brushed her cheeks with his fingers. The warmth on his fingertips seemed to transfer over. He asked in a cautious voice, "Are you still worried about Sherry?" Sylvia froze, partly because she was afraid of upsetting him by drawing away, but also because she was stunned by how he seemed to read what was on her mind. “Yeah, I'm quite worried about her,” she answered him truthfully. He informed, "I asked around. She’s doing fairly well apart from the fact that she’s not allowed to leave the villa.” “Is John hard on her?” “That’s private. I don’t know much about that.” Sylvia frowned. Noticing this, Odell informed, “He still has feelings for her and won’t do anything terrible to her.” "Really?" “Yes.” "But Aunt Tonya mentioned that back then when there was a misunderstanding between us. You also…” Sylvia quickly zipped her lips when she realized that she w
Cliff was still perplexed. Even though the project was not a minor one, it was not impotent enough to warrant an in-person survey from the leader of Carter Corporation. It would have made more sense to send someone over to dig up the details. Still, Odell must have his reasons for wanting to do it himself. Cliff knew his place and did not pester him with more questions. "Okay, I'll let them know first thing tomorrow morning." After hanging up, Odell put the phone beside the bed and looked out the window gloomily. If his suspicions were correct, the reason Sylvia tossed and turned in bed and had trouble falling asleep was that she was worried about Sherry. He knew that John would welcome him in person when he visited Glanchester. It would be a good chance for him to talk to him about Sherry and gauge how he felt toward Sherry. This was the least he could do to put Sylvia at rest. ... A day later, in the evening. Sylvia was on her phone and was just about to buy a tr
Odell was ready for the trip as well. His suitcase was right next to the couch. Sylvia put her suitcase next to his and greeted him with a bright smile, “Good morning.” Odell turned to her and muttered, "Morning." Then, he put down the newspaper and rose from his couch to approach her. He rested a large palm on her head and beckoned, "Come on, let’s eat breakfast.” Sylvia went to the dining table with him. The thought that she would be heading to Glanchester to look for Sherry filled her with anticipation. She ate as fast as she could and pushed the plate away as soon as she had eaten enough. Odell glanced at her. "Are you full?" "Yeah." Noticing that Odell was about to set his spoon and fork down, she quickly stated, “Take your time if you’re not full yet. Don’t worry about me.” "I'm full, too." He wiped his hands and his lips with a towel, then got up. “Come on, let's go now." He held out a hand toward her. She hesitated briefly before placing her hand o
Odell considered briefly. “Whatever is the specialty in Glanchester.” Sylvia was not a picky eater anyway, so she could stomach any food that tasted good. She had more than enough of her favorite food back in Westchester City. Since they were in Glanchester, they should try whatever the local specialty was. Peter nodded. Then he turned and gave instructions to the others who came with him. Meanwhile, Sylvia had been rabidly taking pictures. It was only after she finally took some pictures that she was satisfied with when she finally felt several pairs of eyes on her. There was Odell and Cliff, along with several men in suits. They were probably the ones Odell was meeting up with to discuss business. She immediately put away her phone and trotted back to Odell. She whispered cautiously, "I'm sorry, am I taking up your time?” Odell brushed the hair from her forehead and tucked it behind her ear. Then he took her hand and answered her, "No." “Mrs. Carter, good t
“Alright.” Sylvia said and rose with Odell. However, moments before they stepped out of the room, she suddenly felt an urge to pee. She stated with slight embarrassment, "I need to go to the bathroom.” Odell smiled and let go of her hand. "Go, I'll be waiting for you here." She quickly shuffled to the bathroom. After she came out of the toilet, she overheard the tail end of what was Peter saying something to Odell, “…On the way to the hotel, he should arrive in about ten minutes.” Odell, “Alright.” He took Sylvia's hand when he saw her. "Let's go. John is about to reach the hotel. We’ll go meet him first, then you can explore the city after that.” Sylvia obliged. “Alright.” Their driver took them to the hotel after that. After they got out of the car, they walked toward the lobby. That was when Sylvia suddenly mentioned, "Odell, why don't you go on ahead? I’ll just walk around and check out the city.” Odell looked at her. Sylvia flashed an innocent smil
Sylvia chuckled awkwardly and mentioned, “Something happened a short while ago and I lost my memory." She had explained this to so many people that she had the entire monologue memorized. Zach was understandably baffled by this. “Wait, you lost your memory?” “Yes, I forgot everything that happened the last nine years. It's not that I intentionally forgot who you were.” “I guess that makes sense, you look different from when I saw you the last time.” Zach sighed and sounded slightly disappointed, then he suddenly asked when a thought occurred to him, “Do you recall there being this man called Odell?” Sylvia was not expecting this question of all things but answered truthfully, “I do, we’ve known each other since we were very young. I already knew him nine years ago.” “I see.” He sighed again, seemingly disappointed and frustrated. Suddenly, a strange smile formed on his face as he asked, “Are you still with him now?" "Why are you asking this?" Sylvia was rather confu
“Yeah, I know a few.” “Who are they?” Sylvia asked with an expectant look in her eyes as she wanted to know more. Zach smirked. “I thought you were here to sightsee. Why are you asking me all this?” “I was just curious.” “Ah.” He handled the steering wheel and made no further comment. It seemed like he was not intending to answer her questions. Sylvia considered for a moment and blurted out, “Do you know John Stockton?” “The richest man in Glanchester. Who doesn’t know him?” “I think he lives here too. Do you know which one of these villas belongs to him?” Zach burst out chuckling by this point. He parked the car on the side of the road, and turned to Sylvia with a smile on his face though his demeanor was otherwise serious. "Sylvia, you didn't come here to sightsee, did you?” Sylvia dropped the act. There was no point in feigning it since he already knew, so she nodded. Zach's expression softened. "Why are you asking about John? Are you looking for h
After the two had come to an agreement, Zach took Sylvia out to the entrance. Jacob was standing guard waiting for her and the moment he saw her, he ran up to her and nervously inspected her up and down, worried that something had happened to her while she was gone. Sylvia smiled and reassured him. "I'm fine, I just took a lap inside.” Jacob breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Madam, do you want to go anywhere else?” "No, let's go back to the hotel." “Okay.” ... Inside the penthouse suite of the hotel. Both Cliff and Peter were standing by the entrance to the study with their backs perched straight and at attention. The door was closed. Not a word coming from inside the study could be heard. Meanwhile, the two men were seated by a tea table inside the study. Both of them sat on a leather-bound chair, facing each other. There were two tea cups as well as a sheet of letter of collaboration set on the table. Odell briefly stated his options and e