Chapter 334 Fulfilling the Promise
Lila looked at me and suddenly burst out laughing.
Then, with a serious face, she said, "Diana, I'll handle Anne's bail for you tomorrow."
I was totally caught off guard and blurted out, "Wait, what did you just say?" Lila repeated slowly, "I said I'll help you with Anne's bail. That way, at least when you're swamped, someone can be there for Skylar."
I was really touched and said, "That would be amazing. You have no idea how close I am to breaking down over this overseas order. Plus, I have to visit Fiona in the hospital tomorrow. She got hit by one of Lanny's thugs while negotiating for this order. Although she was saved, she lost her and David's baby."
Lila was shocked and quickly suggested, "I'll go with you."
I sighed and shook my head, saying, "Ultimately, I owe Fiona an apology. Theo and I will go together to formally apologize to the Griffin family on behalf of the company."
Lila thought for a moment and nodded. "You're right. You go handle that, and I'll take care of Anne."
After saying goodbye to Lila, I hurried home, hoping to spend some time with my dear Skylar before it got too late. I wondered if Skylar was feeling better today.
As I was rushing home, my phone rang unexpectedly. Annoyed, I pulled it out and saw it was Nicholas calling. My brow furrowed instantly.
I knew why Nicholas was calling, but with everything going on, I had no energy to deal with his invitations. I wanted to ignore it, but fearing he would keep calling, I reluctantly answered.
"Diana, I heard Skylar was found. Aren't you going to share the good news with me?" Nicholas's slightly teasing voice came through the phone.
I knew that Nicholas kept tabs on my every move, so nothing could be hidden from him. I forced a light tone and replied, "Godfather, you sure are well-informed. But I've been swamped with some tough issues at the company and haven't had a chance to update you."
Nicholas chuckled lightly, then his tone shifted. "Now that Skylar is found, you should focus on the important matters."
Hearing this, I couldn't help but think: 'He just wants the Howard Group's tech project and is dressing it up as something noble. Luckily, I was prepared for this!'
But with Nicholas, I could only swallow my anger. I remarked, "Godfather, I've prepared a gift for you. I was planning to bring Skylar and the gift to visit you on a good day."
There was a brief silence on the other end. Just as I thought Nicholas might let it go, I suddenly heard Skylar's innocent voice on the phone. "Mommy, I'm at Mr. Jackson's house. Come find me!"
My heart clenched, and panic surged through me. I urgently asked, "Skylar, why are you at Mr. Jackson's house? Where's Melissa?"
Before Skylar could answer, Nicholas's voice came back. "Diana, don't ask too many questions. Just come over. Melissa and Skylar are both here. Also, I've assigned you two new bodyguards."I hung up the phone and floored it to Nicholas's place, my mind racing with a million thoughts. My palms were sweaty on the steering wheel, and I pressed the gas pedal harder, just wanting to "fly" to Skylar's side.
Finally, I pulled up to Nicholas's estate. The gate was open, and I jumped out of the car, not even bothering to fix my messy hair, and hurried towards the familiar house. Before I could reach the door, it swung open. Nicholas was lounging on the sofa with a mysterious smile on his face.
Skylar was standing obediently next to him. When she saw me, her eyes lit up, and she ran towards me with open arms. "Mommy!"
I scooped her up and hugged her tightly, feeling a bit of relief. Nicholas was watching us, and I knew there were things I had to face.
I gently set Skylar down and told her, "Skylar, go play in the yard with Melissa for a bit. I need to talk to Mr. Jackson about work."
Skylar nodded and took Melissa's hand, heading towards the yard.
Once Skylar was out of earshot, I approached Nicholas and tried to keep my voice steady. "Godfather, you called me here for the Howard Group's tech project, didn't you?"
Nicholas extinguished his half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray and smiled insincerely. "As expected of my god-daughter, you're smart and perceptive."
I smiled back and said, "Since I promised you, I will keep my word. I'm willing to let your company have this project."
A flicker of surprise crossed Nicholas's eyes. He sat up straighter and asked with interest, "Really? Diana, do you know the value of this project? Are you willing to give it to me?"
I maintained my smile and said, "Godfather, I know the value of this project. Yet the Cooper Group is facing a lawsuit risk because of the seized goods, and I don't have the energy to manage the Howard Group. Plus, I want to spend more time with Skylar. Most importantly, I trust you with this project."
Nicholas stood up and walked over to me, saying, "Diana, you're a smart and capable woman. Don't worry; if the Cooper Group ever faces difficulties, I will help."
I bowed slightly to express my gratitude, "Thank you so much, godfather. I will always remember your kindness."
Looking at Nicholas's greedy face, I couldn't help but think that this was just a transaction of interests. At that moment, Skylar ran back and grabbed my hand, looking up at me expectantly. "Mommy, when are we going home? I want to play with you."
I looked at Skylar's innocent face, knelt down, and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Skylar, we'll go home soon."
I took her small hand and stood up slowly, turning to face Nicholas with a polite smile. "Godfather, thank you for taking care of Skylar today. It's getting late, and since we've settled everything, I'll take Skylar home now." I kept my tone calm and tried to sound as natural as possible.
Then, Melissa and I each held one of Skylar's hands and walked step by step towards the door.