Chapter 143 The Perks of Being a Leader
"So, how was today's training?" Oliver Jones asked, pressing the gas pedal as they left the education bureau. He noticed Vanessa Wood and Audrey Johnson seemed a bit tense, so he tried to lighten the mood.
"Principal Jones, I learned a lot today," Vanessa said with a smile, jumping in when Audrey stayed quiet. "The expert's lecture was really eye-opening. If there's another event like this, could you let us both attend again?"
"Heh, that depends on your future performance," Oliver replied, glancing at Audrey in the rearview mirror. She sat quietly, looking even more delicate and charming. He didn't directly answer Vanessa's question. "If you do well, there will be more training opportunities. But you gotta be ready to grab them."
The same words hit people differently. Vanessa took them as a challenge; she was the type to create opportunities if none existed. Whether it was Quentin Rodriguez, David Carter, Lance Ortiz, or Oliver Jones, she would find ways to approach and use anyone who could help her. If she didn't push for it, someone else would.
But Audrey felt Oliver was hinting at her to stop hesitating. She didn't want to, but there were many teachers like Vanessa. Who knew when he might change his mind?
"Alright, you two go ahead. I'll find a place to park," Oliver said, pulling up to the entrance of Sky Hotel. He turned to the women with a smile. "If I have time later, I'll join you for a drink."
"We'll be waiting for you, Principal," Vanessa said cheerfully as she and Audrey got out and headed towards the hotel entrance. Suddenly, a man rushed by, bumping into Vanessa and almost knocking her bag off. Vanessa frowned, "What's your problem? Watch where you're going! Why are you in such a hurry?" She rubbed her arm lightly, while Audrey also frowned at the man's rudeness.
The man, a portly middle-aged fellow, was about to retort but froze upon seeing Vanessa. When he noticed Audrey, his eyes lit up, and he quickly smiled, "I'm sorry, ladies. I was lost in thought and didn't notice you. My apologies. May I know your names? Here's my card. How about I treat you to dinner to make up for it?" He handed them two intricately designed business cards.
"Barrett Williams, Deputy Director of the National Building Research Institute and General Manager of the Urban Construction Company," Vanessa read softly. Seeing that this unassuming middle-aged man held such a significant position, her attitude shifted dramatically. "Oh, Director Williams, no problem at all. I'm Vanessa Wood, a schoolteacher, and this is my colleague, Audrey Johnson."
The city was undergoing major renovations, making the National Building Research Institute a goldmine. The Urban Construction Company, handling over 80% of the projects, was raking it in. As the general manager, Barrett Williams was dealing with millions daily, making him a big shot.
Barrett was about to ask for their phone numbers when he noticed an Audi pull up. A middle-aged man in a white shirt and black pants quickly entered the lobby, followed by a young guy dressed like a secretary. Both walked briskly towards the elevator, not glancing around. Barrett's expression changed, and he hurriedly chased after them, bowing slightly.
Vanessa and Audrey exchanged puzzled looks, wondering who the middle-aged man was to make a deputy director so anxious. Vanessa's eyes sparkled with excitement, like a snake spotting its prey.
After school, Kevin was packing up to head home when Albert Williams came over with a grin. "Kevin , we're all going to karaoke tonight. You should come. The more, the merrier."
Kevin shook his head. "I think I'll pass. You guys go ahead."
"Come on, are you still mad at my dad?" Albert patted his chest. "Don't worry, my mom gave him a good scolding. I told him if he treats my friends like that again, I won't acknowledge him as my dad. You have to come tonight, or we'll all go to your place for dinner."
"Alright, but I need to go home first," Kevin relented under Albert's persistence. He rushed home to tell his mom, Bethany Harris, that he wouldn't be home for dinner.
"What time will you be back?" Bethany asked, slightly displeased. But since Audrey had mentioned Kevin 's hard work and good midterm results, she figured he deserved some relaxation and didn't push it.
"I'm not sure. Don't wait up," Kevin said with a grin. "If it's too late, I'll crash at a friend's place. Bye, Mom." He dashed out.
"This kid," Bethany sighed, shaking her head. Her son was growing up and becoming more independent. She couldn't control everything anymore and needed to give him some space.
Albert's chosen venue was the Imperial Bar. As night fell, its neon sign lit up the street. Kevin found it easily but hesitated at the grand entrance, feeling a bit out of place.
"Kevin , why are you standing there? Come on in," someone called from behind. Kevin turned to see Albert's father, Barrett, and felt awkward, unsure whether to stay or leave.
Barrett warmly took Kevin 's hand, leading him inside. "Kevin , I drank too much that day and said some things I shouldn't have. Don't take it to heart."
"Uncle Barrett, I don't hold grudges. I've long forgotten about it," Kevin said, quickly relieved. It was rare for someone of Barrett's stature to apologize to a kid like him.
"That's good. You're always welcome at our home. If you don't come, I'll think you're holding a grudge. Ha ha. They're in room 201. I won't join you. Have fun," Barrett said, guiding Kevin to the hallway and asking a server to take him to the room. He then headed to the bar.
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