Chapter 535 Patricia Drunk with Triumph
Patricia couldn't resist pulling her triplets into her arms, gently stroking their little heads. "Aren't you supposed to be at preschool today? What brings you here?"
Fannie looked up and made a fist pump gesture. "Of course, we came to cheer Mommy on. We're here to let the bad guys know that with us around, no one can mess with our mommy."
Patricia was moved to tears.
The appearance of the three little ones was a surprise that day. The overwhelming support from everyone touched her deeply.
Charles pulled the contract he had signed with Robinson Group and Cosmos Electronics Corp out of his backpack and handed it to Patricia. "Mommy, here's the contract I inked with them. I'm only five, so it wouldn't hold up in court—that's why I signed under your name."
Patricia took the contract and scrutinized it thoroughly.
The document was detailed, containing not only the collaboration terms but also a clause that increased the penalty for breach from double to tenfold.
"For better or worse, I had to up the ante to keep them from getting cold feet. With the company's current situation, we need to secure them before we can ensure the stability of our other partnerships. You're not mad that I took the initiative, are you? I meant to discuss it with you, but I only finalized the chip and system designs this morning after extensive testing. By the time I wanted to tell you, you had already left with Alan," Charles explained.
Patricia smiled. "Why would I be upset? But how did they take you seriously?"
Charles grinned. "Ha. The same way I dealt with Max. How could they sign on the dotted line without witnessing what I'm capable of?"
As the last word left his lips, Alan's cell phone rang.
He answered the call and then handed the device to Patricia. "It's Andrew Roberts from Cosmos Electronics Corp."
With politeness, Patricia greeted, "Hello?"
Andrew Roberts' laughter burst through. "Charles is truly formidable. I had no clue he was the famed 'C.' If only you had told me, we could've signed the contract directly with you. It would have spared us these mix-ups."
Patricia was grateful for Charles' initiative on her behalf and the company's.
She glanced at Charles warmly. "I hope you don't mind his impromptu visit today."
Andrew Roberts brushed off the concern. "Why would I mind? I've underestimated you both. Langley Group is in good hands with a son like him. I called to congratulate you on becoming president of the Langley Group. I'm looking forward to a fruitful collaboration."
Patricia quickly echoed with a smile. "It's been a pleasure working together, truly a pleasure."
After hanging up the call, Patricia felt an array of emotions well up inside her, leaving a sour taste in her heart. "Charles, you've worked so hard these past weeks."
Charles took her hand reassuringly. "Helping you out is no trouble at all, Mommy. Just let me know if you run into any obstacles down the line. No matter what, I'll find a way to support you."
With her eyes welling up, Patricia nodded firmly.
It wasn't until Patricia stepped into the role of CEO that she fully grasped how challenging and exhausting Martin's job had been.
The Langley Group, still reeling from the recent turmoil, faced numerous issues that needed addressing. Her lack of experience in managing a company meant her days were a whirlwind of non-stop activity.
She spent her time toggling between learning the ropes of business management with Riley and Alan, making trips to the lab, and renegotiating partnerships.
Alan was a significant help, but ultimately, every decision and choice rested on Patricia's shoulders. Being new to the helm, she needed to build rapport with the business partners.
Negotiating deals often involved drinks – something she partook in sparingly. For Patricia, who typically avoided alcohol because it went straight to her head, this was a significant challenge.
Around ten in the evening, Alan, sensing Patricia had overindulged, concocted an excuse to have the driver take her home while he stayed behind to entertain the clients.
The driver dropped Patricia off at the entrance to her upscale housing complex.
He was about to look for a parking spot to escort her inside when Patricia stopped him. "You can't park here, or you'll get ticketed. Just head back – my apartment is right upstairs. I can make my way up."
Concerned, the driver insisted, "No, I have to make sure you get home safely. It's what Alan instructed me to do."
Feeling the alcohol's punch and the beginning pangs of a headache, Patricia's control was slipping.
With a feeble wave of her hand, she slurred, "Oh, it's fine. This is a secure complex; you can't get in without a keycard. I'll be home in a flash. You can go now, go on."
"But..."
Patricia, however, paid him no further attention, clutching her purse as she staggered into the complex.
The night enveloped everything in darkness; the streets were deserted, except for the dim, yellow glow from the streetlights casting long shadows on the cobblestone paths as she slowly made her way home.
Stilettos and cobblestones were never a good match, and Patricia found herself stumbling gracelessly. She finally gave up, slipped off her heels, and embraced the earth beneath her bare feet.
A gentle evening breeze caressed her cheeks, a welcomed comfort.
The alcohol had left her passive, and she quickly grew weary. Seating herself on a park bench, Patricia tilted her head back, rested against the wooden slats, and closed her eyes, sinking into a profound stillness.
The silence around her was eerily profound. Crickets chirped tirelessly in the grass, their sounds a ceaseless rustle.
Overwhelmed by a rhythmical serenade of insects, Patricia suddenly burst into tears. The sorrow she had compressed inside surged forth, assaulting her senses.
She curled up, feet on the bench, arms wrapped around her legs, buried her face in her knees, and wept aloud.
"Martin, where are you? Why haven't you searched for me? Don't you miss me at all? Why haven't you visited me in my dreams? I miss you, truly, I do.
"Martin, you jerk, you promised to protect me, to stand by me forever. You've broken your promise. I'm so tired, I'm scared, I'm really frightened.
"I'm afraid I can't keep your company afloat and take care of the kids. What am I supposed to do? I've tried so hard to learn, but I just can't get it right. I'm so dumb. Teach me, tell me, what should I do? "
Patricia poured out her longing for Martin, her grievances, confusion, and helplessness in an impassioned catharsis.
She wasn't even aware of what she was saying. She just felt exhausted. Desperate to vent.
She thought that speaking her mind might alleviate some pain. But the more she talked, the more troubled she felt, her sobs growing wilder, beyond control. Not knowing how long she cried, she finally fell silent.
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