Chapter 477 Shane Visits Ivara City in Search of Patricia
The airport was in the suburbs, a good two hours' drive from the city center. Thus, when Patricia and Martin finally got home, it was well past midnight. They tiptoed around, careful not to wake the kids or the elderly. After a satisfying shower, they sank into their soft bed, immediately feeling a wave of relief wash over them. It was a warmth they hadn't felt in ages.
Martin pulled Patricia close, letting her head rest on his shoulder. "You haven't been resting well these past few days either. You should get some sleep; otherwise, if Charles and the others see you like this, they'll worry."
Perhaps she hadn't noticed, but he saw it clearly. She had lost weight, and her complexion wasn't great due to the stress and lack of sleep she had experienced recently. They might be able to fool Randy and Fannie for a while. However, Charles, being as sharp as he was, would surely notice right away.
Patricia was indeed exhausted. She yawned and snuggled deeper into Martin's embrace. When she found the most comfortable position, she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Martin kissed her forehead gently and draped his other arm over her waist, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep as well.
The next day.
Patricia indulged in a rare morning of sleeping in.
Martin got out of bed without making a sound, careful not to wake her, and personally instructed the housekeeper on which breakfast items to prepare.
The three kids, having school that day, got up on time, got ready, and sat down for breakfast. Rubbing their sleepy eyes as they walked out of their rooms, they immediately spotted Martin sitting at the breakfast table. They were about to scream with delight when Martin hushed them.
"Shh, keep it down! Your mommy is still sleeping; let's not wake her."
The kids quickly covered their mouths, nodding vigorously with their sparkly eyes, and slowed their steps as they passed the master bedroom, heading to the dining room. Once there, they let go and rushed over, hugging Martin tightly.
"Daddy, you're finally back. We missed you so much," they whispered.
Martin gently ruffled their hair. "See, I’m back now. Let's have breakfast, and then I'll take you to school."
Charles looked up at Martin with hopeful eyes. "Dad, now that you're back, does that mean you're staying for good?"
Martin didn't want to keep secrets from them, sliding a glass of milk across the table to Charles. "I'm not sure just yet, bud. I might have to head out again in a few days."
His son was still missing. Despite Alan's extensive investigations, no leads had surfaced. Dr. Isabella, who had delivered Patricia's baby, seemed to have vanished without a trace. Any day now, if Alan found a lead on his son, he would have to leave immediately.
Randy and Fannie's faces fell with disappointment.
"Aw, Dad! You have to go again?" Fannie whined.
Martin felt a pang of guilt, knowing he hadn't spent much time with the kids lately, and gently tousled Fannie's hair, "Once I wrap up some business, I'll have more time for you guys. I promise."
The kids, though reluctant, were understanding and didn't fuss further.
Over breakfast, Martin said, "Randy, I found you a piano teacher. I'll take you to meet him tonight."
At the New Year's Eve concert held by Randy's preschool, his rendition of Richard Clayderman's "Autumn Leaves" unveiled his musical talent. Martin had approached the renowned pianist Joe White, hoping that Randy would learn well under his tutelage. However, Joe White was selective about his students and required a personal assessment.
That evening was Randy's audition. Martin hoped he would make it through successfully.
Randy's eyes shone with excitement, and he nodded vigorously. "Thanks, Dad! I’ll do my best not to let you down."
Martin smiled contentedly. "That's my boy!"
After breakfast, Martin and the kids packed their bags and put on their shoes, ready to head to preschool.
Maria was still asleep, and Mr. and Mrs. Langley stayed in bed with her. Usually, when the grandparents weren't up, it was Alan who came over to take the kids to school. But today, with Martin back home, Alan could take a well-deserved break.
Patricia slept in until noon. By the time she woke up, Martin had already taken Mr. and Mrs. Langley back to the family's main house. As she stepped out of the room, she caught sight of Martin comfortably snuggled with Maria on the patio, basking in the sun while playing with her.
Maria was nearly six months old, and the amount of time she spent playing each day was increasing substantially. It was rare for the two to have such leisure, soaking up the sun, chatting, and amusing their child. Before they knew it, the day had swiftly passed by.
In the afternoon, Martin picked up the three munchkins, and after dinner, while Patricia took care of Maria at home, Martin accompanied Randy to meet Joe White. It had been a while since they'd seen each other, and Martin couldn't help but notice Randy's considerable improvement on the piano.
As Randy sat before the instrument, his slender fingers danced over the keys as though endowed with a life of their own. He seemed to have suddenly transformed into a mature, sensible, and well-behaved young man.
Joe White held Randy in high esteem, thrilled to have found such a gifted child. He readily agreed to mentor him and and expressed his hope to groom Randy as his successor.
To facilitate Randy's practice sessions, Martin took him shopping for a piano right after leaving Joe's place, picking out the finest and most expensive model and having it delivered that very night. The house was becoming more of a home with each passing day. Happy times always seemed to fly by especially quickly.
In the blink of an eye, another week had gone by. Shane's private jet touched down smoothly at Ivara City Airport. Since Riley and Sebastian were too swamped to come, Jeremy and Ariel accompanied Shane instead.
Sitting back in the lounge chair, Shane closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could almost smell the presence of his daughter and granddaughter in the air. Thinking of the city where they lived filled him with such joy that tears welled up in his eyes.
He was still feeling weak. After enduring a ten-hour flight, his body was struggling to cope. He spent a good while recuperating in the lounge chair before he felt better.
With Jeremy and Ariel supporting Shane on either side, the group exited the airport and got into the sedan Riley arranged. They tracked down Patricia's address – the one she used when she entered the jewelry design competition – and gave it to the driver.
Shane wanted to surprise Patricia, so he hadn't given her a heads-up, keeping his awakened state a secret every time she'd call to check on him. They hoped she hadn't moved; the last thing they wanted was to have come all this way for nothing.
Two hours later, the trio approached the gates of Patricia's upscale neighborhood.
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