Chapter 554 Charlotte's Meltdown
Patricia shoved her phone back into her pocket, took the room key, and with a red face and head bowed in embarrassment, she approached James. "A-Alan made a mistake; he only booked one room. Should I book another for you?"
Just thinking about the 'charm' tactic Alan had mentioned over the phone made her cheeks burn as if they were on fire.
Alan had been getting increasingly cheeky over their recent stints of working side by side, daring to joke with her in such a way.
"No need. One room will do just fine," James said calmly.
Patricia thought she had misheard, her eyes widening. "We're living together?"
"I swear, I won't cross any lines," James said, raising his hands. "You take the bedroom, and I'll crash on the couch in the living room. I won't step foot into your room."
Realizing the misunderstanding, Patricia quickly clarified, "Oh no, I know you're a gentleman. You wouldn't take advantage of the situation!"
"That settles it then. Let's head back to the suite."
James picked up a piece of luggage and headed for the elevator. Patricia hurried after him.
The presidential suite was spacious and fully equipped. It boasted a large bedroom and a grand living room with an adjoining outdoor balcony. The bedroom featured an expansive king-sized round bed. The living room's sofa was a generous seven-foot leather couch. The suite also included a separate kitchen and bathroom. Overall, it felt less like a hotel and more like a cozy, compact home.
Upon entering, James remained true to his word and didn't venture into the bedroom, leaving Patricia's suitcase by the door.
"After hours on the plane, you must be beaten," James said. "Rest up. I'll get in touch with Kevin and let you know when we can meet."
Patricia nodded and wheeled her suitcase into the room.
No sooner had she sat down on the bed than her phone buzzed in her pocket, a video call from Charles.
Patricia beamed when she saw three little faces squeezed into the frame.
Fannie and Randy jostled to ask, "Mommy, have you arrived in Country M? Where are you now? Are you in a hotel? Are you staying by yourself?"
Patricia couldn't help but laugh. "You're firing so many questions at me. How can I possibly answer them all at once?"
Charles rolled his eyes at them, pushed them aside, and said earnestly, "Mommy, Maria, and little Waston are asleep, and we're about to go to bed, too. Take good care of yourself out there. Please send us a video every day to let us know how you're doing. We don't want to worry."
Patricia nodded. "I will. I'll send videos every day."
Charles continued, "Mommy, did you hear? Auntie Susan is pregnant!"
Patricia was momentarily confused about who Charles was referring to as Susan. "Auntie Susan?"
Charles gave her a look as if she were clueless. "Of course, it's Uncle Mike's wife, Daisy!"
Patricia asked incredulously, "She's pregnant? How did you find out?"
Fannie giggled. "It's all thanks to Uncle Gus, who's been blabbing to anyone within earshot! He even said that if Aunt Nancy has a girl, she could marry Charles or Randy."
"It should be Charles, not me," Randy quickly interjected. "I'm not about to compete with my him."
Charles rarely blushed, but now he glared at them. "Shut it, or I might just silence you all."
"Look at our Charles turning red!" Patricia said teasingly. "It's such a rare sight. Does this mean I might become a mother-in-law soon?"
Charles's face turned tomato red from his ears downward.
"You're so inappropriate," he said before abruptly ending the call.
Patricia burst into laughter, having never seen him so flustered before.
James couldn't help but smile hearing the laughter from the other room. He went to the kitchen for a glass of water, removed his mask, and drank heartily.
Patricia rested in her room for a while. When she woke up, it was already evening.
They hadn't yet scheduled a meeting with Howard Quinn, so Patricia suggested a stroll around the vicinity and grabbing a bite to eat. James initially didn't want to go, but Patricia insisted and dragged him out.
They were now in the buzzing downtown area, teeming with people. The street shops were well-organized; clothing stores were on the left, and restaurants and eateries were on the right.
Patricia led James to a dessert shop and bought some of the popular treats, offering one to James.
"Try this cream puff. It's my absolute favorite. How about a bite?"
James shook his head. "Thanks, but I don't have a sweet tooth."
"Why not?" Patricia said. "Sweets can lift your spirits when you're feeling down."
"The naturopathic doctors advise against sweets, or it'll worsen my cough."
It then clicked for Patricia, a medical doctor unfamiliar with natural remedies. She knew, though, that it was indeed wise to avoid overly sweet or spicy food when suffering from a cough to aid recovery.
Seeing that he wasn't tempted, Patricia popped another piece into her mouth. The rich and buttery flavor, mingled with that of the matcha, spread deliciously in her mouth. It was a perfect blend of sweetness without being overly cloying, tantalizing the taste buds.
Patricia smiled contentedly, about to indulge in another puff pastry, when it suddenly vanished from her grasp along with the rest of the bag.
Patricia's gaze snapped to the culprit. A disheveled vagrant had snatched her bag and was now ferociously stuffing their face while squatting by the roadside.
Patricia exchanged a glance with James.
"Let it go; we'll buy more," James said.
Patricia nodded, ready to turn away, when her eyes unintentionally met those of the vagrant. She froze, her eyes widening in disbelief.
James noticed her odd expression and followed her gaze. At the sight of the vagrant's face, a storm of shock passed through his eyes before he regained his composure.
Patricia could hardly believe what she saw. She slowly approached and crouched down, scrutinizing the vagrant's face, staring at it for a long time before finally accepting the shocking reality.
The vagrant's hair was matted in messy knots, and her face was filthy, as if she hadn't been washed in years. Her cheeks were smeared with cream from the pastry. Except for her eyes, her original features were almost unrecognizable. However, Patricia would never forget that face until death.
"Charlotte, how did you end up like this?" she asked.
She was believed to be dead, wasn't she? How could she be here, and in such a state? What in the world had happened during this time?
The vagrant lifted her head slowly and stared blankly at Patricia for a moment as if she had not heard her name spoken in ages.
Then, her eyes began to redden with rage.
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