“She’s looking for me,” Darwin said, patting her head.Chapter 152: Her ShadowDarwin watched, a sense of déjà vu washing over him. It was as if he saw Fiona's shadow in her—the way her eyes lit up with each delicious taste, stirring a bittersweet ache in his chest."Wendy, remember this duck. I want to buy some for my big brother!" The little girl, once at odds with her sibling, now thought of sharing her treats."You have a big brother?" Darwin inquired."Yes," she said proudly but offered no further details. She had just met Chris and was taught not to discuss family matters with strangers.Darwin continued to feed her an array of treats. Chicago ate until she was full and sleepy."Sir, the young miss is tired. We should return..." Ah Wu interjected.Darwin asked for their room location."It's called... Water Pavilion!""Can you find it?" he probed.Wendy looked down, embarrassed."I'll take you." Darwin lifted Chicago and nodded to his table before leaving."No... No need!" Wendy
"Well, Chicago can't sleep in tomorrow!" Fiona ruffled her hair.Chicago bounced with excitement. "Okay, yay!" She then looked at Stuart, who became quiet at the mention of pets."Brother, you can't go to the park, but godmother said there's a great science museum here. Let's go after the park!"Stuart's ears reddened. "Whatever, I'm fine with anything.""Alright, little monkey, go take a bath!" Fiona said, handing her over to Wendy.The next day, Fiona and Chicago went to the community's private park. Fiona dressed Chicago in cute overalls and yellow rain boots. Chicago busied herself greeting the elderly residents and their dogs."Except for the big black dog, all dogs are good dogs!" Chicago said, returning to Fiona's side after playing.Fiona's heart tightened at the mention, recalling a past incident with a dangerous dog. But Chicago was brave, approaching even large dogs without fear."Mommy doesn't need to be brave. Chicago and big brother will protect you!" Chicago declared.F
Chicago's mouth fell open in awe."Chris is like the knight who defeated the evil dragon, right?""Kind of!" Fiona nodded.Chicago turned to watch the receding figure, her eyes filled with unspoken admiration."But this is our secret, Chicago. You mustn't tell your brother!"Stuart was more sensitive and perceptive than Chicago, so hearing this might lead him to certain conclusions. Chicago was thrilled to have a secret just with Mummy. She stomped her feet and twirled. "Yeah! Babe and Mummy have a little secret!"Chicago had always been good at keeping secrets, partly because she was forgetful, but mostly because she understood the importance of promises from a young age.Fiona laughed, taking her daughter's hand as they walked home in the morning sun. After years away, Fiona found that returning wasn't as frightening as she had anticipated. The reunion was easier than expected.They had breakfast at home, and Stuart returned from his errands. Their visit to the science museum was a
"Oh," Fiona replied coldly."Take them away," Stuart directed the people behind him, who quickly stepped forward to remove the flowers and alcohol.Fiona placed her own offerings, her sunglasses concealing the tears streaming down her face. Gazing at the smiling faces on the tombstone, she silently thought, "Mom, grandparents, I hope you can forgive my absence these past five years. My babies have grown up healthy, protected by your spirits."She tenderly touched the children's heads."Stuart, Chicago, these are your grandmother, great-grandfather, and great-grandmother," Fiona introduced.Ashton had briefed the children beforehand, and Fiona had recounted their family stories to them many times.Stuart was the first to react. He knelt down immediately and bowed his head. Chicago hesitated, then followed suit."Grandma and ancestors, don't worry about Mommy. Stuart is strong and will protect Mommy and his big brother," Stuart declared, clumsily joining his hands together in a solemn p
"Family elders enjoy sparring. I often join them, that's all. You're pretty good too," Fiona said with easy grace.Family elders?Roy had heard that this lady might come from the Rhoads family. The elder in her family, could that be the famous Janna?"I'm willing to admit defeat. Bring the young master over to my place one day to pick something he likes.""No problem." Fiona answered with a smile. "Roy, you didn't invite me over just to play tennis, right? Time is precious, shall we sit down and talk? You can share some of your thoughts with me."Roy replied with a smile, "Then let's talk over tea."The two of them headed for the lounge.At that moment, someone called out to Roy.Is that Mr. Roy?"That voice... Fiona was taken aback for a moment.Roy turned around, his smile fading slightly, "Long time no see, last time was at Solomon's celebration, wasn't it?""That was years ago; you have a good memory," Lilian spoke, her gaze drifting to the slender figure. "And this is...?"Fiona
After a pleasant dinner together, Roy and Lilian enjoyed their conversation immensely.When parting, Roy sincerely said, "To be honest, I have great admiration for you, Miss Robbins. If it were up to me, I would definitely put this deal in your hands. But... Chelsea has impressed all of our shareholders with her capabilities, there's hardly a day when someone isn't recommending her to me!"Lilian's smile remained unwavering."Chelsea has indeed fought some impressive battles these past few years. Not just your shareholders, I admire her myself. However, most of her clients are not from our side, and I'm afraid she might struggle to adapt to Armie Country."That was also Roy's concern.Even with last year's success with the national enterprise case, he still had his reservations.This was one reason why he didn't go straight into a partnership with Monsoon Investment and instead welcomed other companies to submit competing proposals."In any case, I have utmost confidence in both Solom
In the heart of the city, there was a florist's shop, its dim yellow light visible through the fine rain.The somewhat plump shopkeeper leaned on the counter, looking bored, apparently waiting for someone.She glanced at the time.It was nearly eleven, surely the major client wouldn't come now?Just as she considered closing up for the night, the chime of the doorbell sounded.The shopkeeper straightened up immediately.At the entrance stood a man in a black suit, tall, with a dampness about him, walking in."Mr. Solomon, I thought you weren't coming!" The shopkeeper greeted him with a cheerful smile."I got held up on a business trip." Darwin spoke casually, "The flowers?""I've kept them for you!" The shopkeeper quickly brought out the flowers. "I still suggest that I deliver them to your place regularly, to save you the trouble.""No need." he refused as always and then left.After he departed, the shopkeeper belatedly realized that the gentleman hadn't carried an umbrella.She hes
The conference room slowly emptied as people trickled out."Mr. Solomon is clearly playing favorites with Lilian!" hissed a few who had voiced their concerns earlier."Not necessarily." said Henry, who had been mostly silent, smiling at several people nearby."Henry, you've been with Mr. Solomon for over seven years. Do you have a different opinion about what just happened?" Henry replied with a chuckle, "Mr. Solomon is inscrutable; even I can't guess his intentions. But, do any of you really think Miss Robbins can compete with Chelsea?"The group exchanged glances uncertainly.Not waiting for a response, Henry grabbed his things and left.Miss Chelsea's style was decisive and efficient, swift like a cutting blade.Many seasoned veterans on Wall Street couldn't best her, and Lilian... He could admit that she had skills, but Chelsea was out of her league. Even compared to the former Secretary Woods, she fell short.She was all about opportunism.Had it not been for Mr. Solomon's name