Chapter 551 Leaving
James stood frozen as Patricia's lips found his, though they landed on his mask instead. Pulling back slightly, she squinted for a better look and went in for another kiss, this time more confidently.
James couldn't help but laugh, a sound that was a mix of a chuckle and a snort.
As Patricia leaned in again, James gently pushed her back by placing his index finger on her forehead. "What are you doing?" he asked, amusement evident in his voice.
Patricia, her hands still tightly clenched around his waist, giggled. "Kissing you!" she declared, her innocence shining through her boldness.
James's smile widened. "Do you even know who I am?" he inquired, curious about her response.
Patricia nodded earnestly. "Of course!" she said, her lips pursed in determination.
"And who am I?" James probed further, intrigued by her certainty.
Patricia scrutinized him, her eyes wide and head tilted, before proclaiming with confidence, "You're my hubby!" She pouted cutely, adding, "It's only natural for a wife to kiss her husband. Why won't you let me?"
James sighed, a mix of fondness and concern in his voice. "You're drunk," he pointed out gently.
Patricia shook her head, narrowly avoiding his forefinger, and thumped her head against his shoulder, inhaling his familiar scent. "I'm not drunk; I remember beating Max today. And I remember celebrating with everyone. No way I'm drunk!" she insisted, finding a comfortable spot against his shoulder and closing her eyes.
After a pause, she continued, her voice softening, "Do you know how happy I am today? I did more than save your company; I stabilized everything. You're happy for me, aren't you?"
James nodded, his voice full of genuine pride. "Yeah! You were amazing today. I'm really happy about it."
Patricia's giggles faded into silence, soon replaced by the sound of her steady breathing and faint snoring.
James, puzzled, wondered if Patricia had fallen asleep. She must've been in a really good mood today; previous drunken episodes involved crying and fussing, unleashing her pent-up frustrations.
Gently scooping her up, James noted how light she felt in her sleep, contrasting with the challenge of managing her inebriated state. He carried her to her car and carefully placed her in the back seat before taking the driver's seat to head home.
During the drive, Patricia mumbled dreamily, "Martin, I did it, I really did it," and "Don't worry, I'll make sure the company is safe. We'll protect it together. Martin, I miss you so much."
The flickering streetlights bathed James in a soft glow as he glanced at Patricia through the rearview mirror, his gaze tender and almost palpable.
Patricia dreamt vividly of holding Martin in her arms, their kiss so real it hardly seemed like a dream. Her laughter upon waking reflected her buoyant spirits, a happiness that was evident to all around her, making them genuinely pleased to see her joy.
Shane, noticing her high spirits, asked, "Hey Patricia, what's got you in such high spirits? Share with your grandpa so I can join in the cheer."
Patricia, with a silly giggle, cupped her face and smiled. "Oh, just that things have been going really well lately; everything's been falling into place."
The troublemakers at the company had been let go. She had even had dreams of Martin. Wasn't this the epitome of everything going right?
Shane could tell her happiness wasn't faked; it was heartfelt, and it made him truly happy.
"Patricia," Shane began, "seeing you back to your old self makes me very happy! We've been here too long, and your cousin is needed urgently back at the office. So, we're heading back to Country M tomorrow."
Patricia gripped Shane's hand tightly, concerned. "Grandpa, is there trouble at the company?"
She knew how much her grandfather cared for her. If it weren't for something he couldn't resolve himself, he wouldn't be going back with her brother.
Shane patted her hand. "Silly girl, it's not a major crisis. You know your brother is the CEO; he can't be away for too long. There's just a backlog of stuff that needs his attention. However..."
He paused, then added, "Jeremy and Ariel will stay behind to keep you company."
Patricia quickly shook her head. "I don't need them to stay; I'm really fine now, and doing great. Let them go back with you. Once things at home are settled, they can come over. Or when I've stabilized things at the company, I'll bring the kids to visit you."
"No way! You have five children, and even with a nanny, I would worry. I'll feel much more at ease with them staying behind."
Patricia's eyes brimmed with tears; she was moved but did not want to burden them any further. "I've decided to move back to the Ellenstein Villa District."
Moved but not wanting to impose further, Patricia announced her decision. "I've decided to move back to the Ellenstein Villa District!"
"Move back?" Shane asked, surprised.
Patricia nodded. "Yes, it's where Randy grew up. We've got a butler and more than thirty staff inside and out. With so many people at home helping, you won't have to worry; I'll be fine."
Relieved by her assurance, Shane said, "Once things at the company are settled, I'll visit with your cousins."
The next day at the airport, Shane, holding Patricia's hand, said with emotion, "Remember to call me; I'll miss you."
Patricia nodded, tears in her eyes.
Riley patted her head. "If you run into any snags at the office, give me a call, too, okay? Don't try to tough it out alone."
And if you need legal advice, just reach out," Sebastian said.
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