Chapter 310
<Chapter>Chapter 310</Chapter>
"I'd love to experience the vast beauty of the world too, but I've been swamped lately and won't be able to make it to Cuenca for your birthday," Catherine said, her voice tinged with regret. "My counseling center will be opening in Cuenca soon, though, and then I'll have the chance to share a meal with you and my dear Ivan, Martha."
Emily's brow twitched suddenly. 'Martha? My dear Ivan? How is this woman so familiar with Mrs. Winston and seemingly close with Ivan, too? Who is she?'
With a raised eyebrow and a silent appraisal of Catherine, Emily offered a tentative smile.
"When you're in Cuenca, give me a shout. I'll show you around the iconic spots, especially the Pearl Tower—Keith and Owen's favorite place."
She casually dropped the names of the two children as if to assert a particular stance.
Catherine's eyes lit up. "Right, I can't forget about the little treasures Owen and Keith. You can't stop talking about them, and I adore those kids. I've got to set up my studio in Cuenca fast so I can see them every day!"
Emily's smile was skin-deep as she replied, "Owen can be quite willful and isn't too fond of strangers."
"No worries, you're Owen's mom. Once we become good friends, he'll come around to me too." Catherine looped her arm comfortably through Emily's.
Finally, Emily breathed a sigh of relief.
This woman knew about the children she had with Ivan and seemed to like them a lot. That meant Catherine had no romantic interest in Ivan—Emily had been on edge for no reason.
Her smile grew more genuine. "Great, once you're in Cuenca, I'll bring Owen to pick you up at the airport."
After finishing a cup of tea, Mrs. Winston slowly started, "When did you learn to play the piano?"
Emily responded carefully, "I took piano lessons for over a decade as a child, but I stopped practicing when I started working for the DeRoss Group. I've only found time to play again after stepping down from the DeRoss board due to some unexpected events. The chance to join Ms. Alice on tour came about thanks to Keith—he said he wants me to be a world-renowned pianist."
Mrs. Winston nodded in approval. "If that's Keith's wish, you must persevere."
"I will definitely work hard." Emily nodded respectfully.
Mrs. Winston looked at her and said no more.
Over the next three days, Emily stayed in Australia, keeping Mrs. Winston company at art exhibitions and concerts.
Having had a few years of piano and drawing lessons as a child, she had some insights into the arts, which reluctantly earned Mrs. Winston's acceptance.
...
Dusk settled in.
The neighborhood's streetlights flickered on one by one, their dim glow nestled among the trees, casting a haunting light.
On the villa's front steps crouched a small figure.
Owen hugged his knees, his eyes watery as he gazed at the road ahead.
Behind him followed a worried Alfred. "Owen, let's go back. Waiting here isn't solving anything."
"I'm not going back without seeing them! You go back if you want to," Owen bit his lower lip. "I haven't seen Haley or Angela in days. I miss them. I'm not leaving until I've seen them!"
Alfred sighed with a headache.
Haley could be so heartless, disappearing without a trace for days on end.
Alfred had hoped that Ivan could sweet-talk her into coming back, but The Winston Group had been facing some issues lately. Plus, with the upcoming celebration for Mrs. Winston's birthday, there was a lot to prepare. Ivan had been too busy to chat with Haley.
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