Chapter 324 A Visit to Asa?
The moment Sofia picked up the phone, Sarah's teasing began.
"What's this? A call from Madame and you don't immediately grovel? Watch out, I might have to punish you!" Sarah's laughter echoed through the line.
"My deepest apologies, Madame," Sofia retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Do you have any commands for me? Perhaps you'd like to treat me to a meal or a shopping spree? May I max out your credit card?"
Sofia was never one for decorum, especially when it came to her best friend, who had now become the wife of a billionaire. It would be a waste of their years of friendship if she didn't take advantage of the situation.
"Heh, be careful, or I might sell you and make you count the money for me," Sarah shot back. Their banter was a familiar dance, a comforting rhythm that eased the tension of their day-to-day lives. After a few more rounds of playful jabs, Sarah finally got to the point.
"Enough with the jokes, Sofia. I called for a reason. Did you know our university's anniversary celebration is in three days?" Sarah asked.
"I figured that was why you called. I just got the news too. So, are you coming?" Sofia replied.
"Even if I'm swamped, I'll make time. Mr. Clark is retiring and moving abroad," Sarah informed Sofia. "He was always good to us back then. We should see him off together."
"I'd love that. I miss the old days," Sofia confessed, a hint of nostalgia creeping into her voice. "Let's go together then."
"That's the plan! I'll pick you up, and we'll head to N City together."
After a few more minutes of idle chatter, they reluctantly ended the call.
Just then, Antonio entered the room and sat next to Sarah. "I heard you laughing. Who were you talking to? You seemed so happy."
The sofa was small, and with Sarah sprawled across it, there was barely any room left. Antonio's presence pinned her in place.
"You've met Sofia before, my best friend from college. It's been a while, though, so I doubt you remember her," Sarah said, struggling to put her phone away. "Could you scoot over? I can't get up."
"Why bother moving? Just stay there," Antonio suggested, pulling Sarah into his embrace.
"We're still at the office, Antonio. Let's keep things professional," Sarah protested, trying to wriggle free. "Our children are waiting at home."
Antonio leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to Sarah's lips before releasing her. "This is the Valencia family's territory, not the Jerretts'. I can do what I want."
Sarah playfully punched Antonio's shoulder. "There are still people working outside. Can you be serious? We need to get home."
Antonio's lips curled into a smirk. "You're worried about our kids being hungry, but what about your husband?"
Sarah rolled her eyes, pushing Antonio's hand away. "Move, you're annoying," she said, her voice soft. She wasn't ready for this yet.
...
On the drive home, Sarah mentioned the university anniversary to Antonio.
"I'm going to N City in three days for my university’s anniversary celebration. There's also a retirement ceremony for some of the teachers. Sofia will be coming with me," she explained.
"The school anniversary? Is it the university's anniversary?" Antonio asked, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.
"Yes, we met in N City, remember?" Sarah confirmed.
"Do you think... Asa will be there too?" Antonio asked, his voice strained.
Sarah sighed, "It's a collective event, Antonio. Many of our classmates from different years are planning to go. Don't be so possessive."
"It was just a question," Antonio defended himself. "Does your school allow family members to attend the anniversary celebration?"
"They didn't mention anything about it," Sarah replied, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "Are you saying... you want to come with me?"
“Would that be a problem?" Antonio asked, his intentions clear. He wasn't interested in the celebration; he just wanted to relive the past.
"Drop the act, Antonio. I'm just going to attend the celebration," Sarah said, tugging at Antonio's ear. "I've never met anyone as clingy as you, wanting to follow me everywhere."
Antonio chuckled, but his mind was racing. The thought of Sarah meeting Asa alone was unsettling. What if something unexpected happened? Even if it was just an anniversary celebration, he wouldn't be able to rush over immediately to help Sarah if something went wrong. And Sarah, the campus beauty, attending alone? Who knows what inappropriate thoughts others might have...