Chapter 641 Meet the Ross Family Again
When Fiona and Darwin finally stirred from sleep, Chicago had already embarked on her morning routine, venturing to the greenhouse, harvesting fresh produce, and freshening up for the day ahead.
"Miss, it's freezing out there! You'll catch your death of cold if you keep frolicking in the frost," scolded the nanny while pouring a steaming cup of milk.
Fiona descended the stairs, overhearing the nanny's gentle reprimand. It seemed the nanny struggled to keep pace with Chicago's boundless energy. Over the past few months, Chicago had shot up in height and vitality, a whirlwind of activity from dawn till dusk.
"Mama!" Chicago exclaimed, rushing to embrace Fiona as she reached the bottom step. "Did you sleep well?"
"Like a log," Fiona replied. "Did you have fun playing with Jessie?"
"Absolutely!" Chicago beamed. "But school gets in the way of all the fun. The greenhouse and Jessie miss me terribly!"
Fiona listened to her daughter's lament, noting a flicker of concern in Chicago's eyes, as if she felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities and unable to meet expectations.
Together, they joined Fiona and Darwin at the breakfast table, where Chicago eagerly shared the plans she had concocted for the upcoming Christmas vacation.
Fiona marveled at the breadth of her daughter's agenda. Between schoolwork, social visits, and caring for their beloved dog, Chicago had even earmarked time to cook a Christmas feast.
Throughout Chicago's presentation, she sought Fiona's input earnestly, ready to adjust her plans at a moment's notice.
Darwin observed the exchange with a fond smile, finding unexpected joy in the mundane moments of family life.
Midway through breakfast, Chicago's attention turned to Darwin. "When can I visit the Solomon Building? I want to deliver Christmas gifts to the sisters in the president's office," she inquired.
Despite her young age, Chicago possessed a keen memory for kindness, treasuring those who had shown her generosity.
"Arrange it as you see fit, and let me know. You're welcome there anytime," Darwin replied warmly.
"Okay," Chicago nodded, making a mental note in her meticulously organized schedule.
Fiona watched the interaction between father and daughter, struck by the genuine bond they shared. Darwin's demeanor softened in Chicago's presence, his authority tempered by tenderness.
As breakfast drew to a close, Fiona and Darwin prepared to attend separate meetings with representatives of the Ross family, each leading their respective teams.
Though they rarely collaborated directly due to their different office locations, today's meetings necessitated their joint involvement.
Darwin couldn't shake a sense of frustration as he pondered the decision to relocate Solomon Energy from the Solomon Building. The move seemed ill-fated, hindering their ability to work side by side.
Meanwhile, at Solomon Energy, Laura overheard snippets of conversation in the elevator, gossip swirling among her colleagues regarding Fiona's prominent role in the upcoming collaboration with the Ross family.
"This collaboration could be a game-changer," remarked one employee, speculating on Mr. Solomon's motives for elevating Fiona's profile within the company. There was concern that such a public display of support might unsettle the Ross family, jeopardizing the partnership before it even began.
"Fiona had a knack for captivating men. She had held Mr. Solomon's attention for five years with just her looks, and she even turned down the Ross family's little princess."
"Have you seen her?"
"I've seen her on TV, not in person. Fiona's stunning, and she's got a killer figure!"
"So, what's her secret? How did Fiona hook Mr. Solomon like that?"
The men exchanged suggestive glances and remarks.
Laura shot them a disgusted look.
The men's attention shifted to Laura. "Hey there, beautiful. New here?" A particularly sleazy man approached her, his eyes lingering eagerly. "Which floor do you work on?"
Despite her professional attire, Laura's tall, athletic frame still drew attention. "Top floor," she replied, meeting his gaze.
"The top floor? Isn't that... the CEO's office?"
Laura flashed her employee ID. "Assistant to the CEO."
Their lewd expressions vanished, replaced by fear. "Sorry for earlier."
"Do you know what sets you apart from Mr. Solomon?" Laura asked icily.
Before they could respond, Laura continued, "He uses his brain, while you guys..."
Her gaze swept over them disdainfully.
As Laura entered the elevator, the men remained behind, looking uneasy.
Seeing they didn't follow, Laura pressed the button for the top floor.
The men, previously jovial, now looked crestfallen.
"Running into Fiona's assistant, what rotten luck!"
"Still, she's got a great body. Wonder if she's single..."
"Maybe she's into me. She kept looking my way."
Their banter resumed, fueled by baseless confidence.
Soon after, Fiona arrived.
The team responsible for liaising with the Ross family gathered in the meeting room.
Fiona sensed their apprehension but remained silent, reviewing the meeting agenda with the group.
Glancing at the time, Fiona signaled it was almost time.
They departed from Solomon Energy and headed to Solomon Headquarters.
Meanwhile, the Ross family representatives arrived an hour early.
An elegant blonde woman entered Darwin's office. "Mr. Solomon, long time no see," she greeted in flawless English.
"Annie, it's been a while." Darwin shook her hand cordially.
Annie tilted her head. "Do Armie men never age? You seem younger than six years ago."
Darwin chuckled. "Maybe spending time with children keeps me youthful."
Annie laughed. "Congratulations, Darwin." The other Ross family members looked amused. "After all, it was you who facilitated Miss Hathaway's marriage to Darwin." "