Chapter 138
"Alright, we are completely convinced," the executive replied sincerely.
Nathan felt a sense of relief. He wasn't someone who depended on others' approval, but gaining his subordinates' recognition was undoubtedly a pleasure for him.
He waved his hand, signaling everyone to continue working.
Entering his office, he sat quietly for a moment before getting up and leaving.
He drove to Sarah's neighborhood, parked his car, and carried a carefully selected fruit basket upstairs, ready to knock on the door.
Nathan, who had attended world-class economic forums and conversed confidently with heads of state, felt inexplicably nervous at this moment.
As the door opened, a familiar scent of orange blossoms greeted him.
"What are you doing here?" Caroline frowned upon seeing him, clearly displeased.
Nathan grew even more nervous. Did she recognize me?
"Just passing by," he said, handing over the fruit basket.
Caroline took it, picked an apple, casually rubbed it on her shirt, and took a bite. "You pass by here?"
Nathan was stunned. He thought, 'Eating fruit without washing it? Doesn't she know about pesticide residues? And the bacteria on her shirt?'
"Daddy!" Sophie came running.
Hearing this, Sarah also walked out from the kitchen. "Mr. Nick Kennedy, what a pleasant surprise."
Caroline frowned. "Sarah, why so many formalities? Isn't it a bit much?"
The dining table was set with utensils and barbecue, clearly ready for dinner.
Dinner this late, and greasy barbecue at that, was really unhealthy. Nathan frowned again.
"Why the long face? No one's holding out on you. If you've got something to say, spit it out. If not, leave us to our meal," Caroline said bluntly.
Being scolded right after entering, Nathan felt displeased but couldn't show it.
He still wasn't sure if Caroline saw him as Nick or Nathan.
Actually, Nathan hadn't eaten either, and the aroma was making him hungry, though it was too greasy.
"Watch your tone. Mr. Nick Kennedy is an honored guest. It's a privilege to have him here. Please, have a seat," Sarah said warmly.
Nathan stood there awkwardly, but Sarah's words prompted him to sit down.
"Daddy, eat with us!" Sophie clung to him.
Nathan held Sophie on his lap, gently stroking her soft hair.
"Mr. Nick Kennedy probably doesn't eat what we eat. He should be having gourmet meals, not our homemade barbecue," Sarah joked.
"That's not true! Daddy took us for barbecue last time, and he can handle spicy food," Sophie chimed in.
"Really? Would you like to join us?" Sarah asked Nathan.
"Don't mind him. We didn't prepare for him. If he eats, there'll be less for us," Caroline said while serving rice.
Nathan felt a surge of anger. He thought, 'How rude! A guest comes, and she won't let him eat because she's worried there won't be enough for herself?! The more you don't want me to eat, the more I'm gonna!'
"I'll eat," Nathan decided, getting up to wash his hands.
"Are you just going to stand there like a statue? Aren't you in the way?" Caroline snapped.
"I'm going to wash my hands for dinner," Nathan replied, feeling wronged.
"Just use a towel," Caroline handed him a towel.
Nathan muttered to himself, "Is this okay? Washing hands requires soap and at least three minutes. Doesn't she know? Can wiping with a towel really get rid of bacteria?"
Nathan put down the towel and insisted on washing his hands.
Caroline stopped him again. "Let the kids wash first."
Nathan was puzzled. Didn't she say wiping was enough?
"Kids need to wash properly to avoid getting sick. You're an adult; you won't get sick from eating. Can't be too picky," Caroline explained.
Nathan took a deep breath, suppressing his anger.
After Ryan and Sophie finished washing, he went to the bathroom.
Ryan stood by, staring at him.
"Aren't you eating?" Nathan asked.
"Are you Nathan?" Ryan suddenly whispered.
Nathan was taken aback. How did he notice?
Since he was discovered, he couldn't hide it anymore. He couldn't lie to a child.
So he whispered back, "Can you keep it a secret?"
Ryan smiled smugly and made an "OK" gesture with her fingers.
Nathan wanted to ask how she figured it out, but Caroline interrupted again.
"Why are you dawdling? If you're going to eat, hurry up. Or do you want to drink dishwater?"
Nathan was on the verge of collapse. She got scolded as soon as she walked in; she really had no manners! Rude, vulgar, and unbearable!
Nathan screamed internally, wanting to storm out immediately.
However, Nathan was surprised by his own endurance. It turned out that human patience indeed had its limits.He gracefully walked to the table and sat down, exuding an air of nobility.
The dinner feast began, and facing the barbecue, Nathan felt a bit at a loss. He rarely ate barbecue, so he held his fork, hesitating to start.
Caroline glanced at him, clearly annoyed. "If you're not eating, move aside and give us some space."
"Daddy, you have to try this. It's delicious!" Sophie picked up a piece of meat, demonstrating by putting it in her mouth, swaying her head in delight.
If Sophie dared to try it, Nathan figured it couldn't be too spicy. He picked up a piece of tofu and put it in his mouth.
To his surprise, the barbecue had a rich flavor unlike anything he had tasted before.
But as he swallowed, a delayed burst of spiciness hit his tongue, almost overwhelming him.
Not wanting to show weakness, Nathan took big bites of bread to quell the heat.
"Daddy, this is super tasty; try it!" Sophie recommended a piece of pork belly.
Not wanting to disappoint Sophie, Nathan forced himself to eat a large piece of meat, which was both spicy and greasy.
In a hurry, he balanced the greasiness with some vegetables.
Gradually, Nathan found the spiciness more bearable.
He couldn't help but feel a bit proud of his quick adaptation to the heat.
After finishing a bowl of rice, Nathan put down his utensils, feeling a bit uncomfortable in his stomach.
"Enjoy your meal; I'm full," Nathan remained polite.
He didn't leave immediately. According to etiquette, a diner should wait until everyone at the table finished before leaving, otherwise, it would be rude.
But Caroline didn't care for such manners. "You're done eating; why don't you leave? Move aside, you're in the way."
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