Chapter 113 The Encounter
Chapter 113 The Encounter
Upon finishing her morning routine and changing, Madison settled down to enjoy her breakfast. It was just as delicious as before—the croissant was delightful, the soy milk creamy, and the corn chowder with preserved eggs perfectly thick.
Everything was just perfect.
As she savored her meal, the sound of the door caught her attention. Looking up, she saw Matthew returning, slightly startled at first but then filled with joy, a big smile spreading across her face.
She had assumed he'd gone straight to his office after dropping off the twins, not expecting him to return home.
"Matthew, didn't you head to the office?"
"I'll go after dropping you off at the studio," he replied.
Upon entering, he saw his beloved sitting at the table, happily munching away and smiling at him, warming his heart.
Madison, not wanting to delay his work, waved her hands dismissively. "Go ahead, I'll take the subway. It's convenient, and you might be late because of the traffic jams."
"It's all right. No one docks the boss' pay," Matthew chuckled, sitting down directly across from her. Madison hurried to finish her breakfast, almost choking on her soy milk in her haste. Matthew rushed to her side, patting her back with concern, scolding gently, "Take it easy; there's no rush. What's the hurry?"
Flushed from coughing, Madison lowered her head in embarrassed silence.
Matthew drove Madison to the studio, and Rachel couldn't contain her amusement as she watched a radiant Madison walk in. "Wow, Maddie, the big-shot CEO is playing chauffeur again, huh? Let me see. Your skin is glowing these days—love sure does wonders. Makes us all green with envy."
Playfully scolding Rachel with a glare, Madison and her entered the office arm in arm, laughing and chatting.
Matthew, too, entered the office with a cheery demeanor, leaving a few colleagues in the secretarial pool whispering to Ariel.
"Ariel, the Boss, has been acting so out of character lately. I've seen more smiles this month than in the past few years combined."
"Isn't that a good thing? Or would you prefer the daily dose of his stormy moods?"
"It's great. I worry that one day, he'll switch back. We're getting used to this pleasant spring breeze of his. If he turns back into the icy barrier we're used to, I'm not sure we'll cope," a young woman speculated with a glum expression.
"Stop overthinking it. Hurry up and notify the department managers. While he's in a good mood, let's get all the documents that need his signature sent over. He'll probably want to leave work early again."
The young woman gave a silent thumb-up and hurried off to work.
Matthew's mood improved as he breezed through his work, accomplishing a week's tasks in one morning. Brian, holding signed documents, was grateful for Madison's return. The Boss bothered him less, and there was no need to tread carefully around a perpetually stern face.
Brian casually reminded Matthew of a dinner invitation from the president of Mitchell Construction that evening as they were discussing a project.
"Mitchell isn't available?" Matthew wasn't keen on attending.
Brian looked uncomfortable. "They specifically asked for you. President Jonah has a meeting with Sunflower Enterprises Tonight and can't make it."
Matthew thought for a moment before nodding. "All right, I'll go, but don't worry about a driver—I'll drive myself. Just send me the address."
"Sure thing, Matthew," replied Brian, relieved, as he carried the files out of the office.
At lunchtime, Matthew ate his usually ordered takeout in the office, a habit the secretarial pool helped maintain.
About to dial Madison's number, his phone rang—it was her. He eagerly picked up the call.
"Hey, babe~"
Madison was surprised by the immediate connection. "Matthew, are you having lunch?"
"Just grabbing some takeout," came Matthew's low voice over the phone, warming her heart like the sunlight streaming through the window outside.
"Is the takeout any good?" Madison teased.
"It's all right, but it's got nothing on my wife's cooking."
"There you go with your sweet talk," Madison cooed.
"No joke, my wife makes the best meals. Have you eaten yet?"
"I did. I had a nice time with Rachel and little Vivian. We tried this great spot for chicken and rice in a pot, with subtle flavors and just right. We should go there next time."
"Sounds good."
...
Matthew continued chatting with Madison, casually nibbling at his food. Before they realized it, an hour had passed. "All right, enough for now. Make sure you rest up after you eat. Don't overdo it."
"Same to you. I can't pick you up Tonight. I've got a dinner event. I'll be heading home after."
"Take it easy with the drinks. Bye for now."
"Bye."
Madison ended the call with a soft smile, still holding the phone. Despite having parted ways only a few hours earlier, she couldn't resist calling Matthew to hear his voice. Suspecting he felt the same, they engaged in a rather mundane conversation. Yet, both found contentment in effortlessly talking for an hour.
*
Matthew drove to the hotel address Brian had texted him. Upon entering the reserved room, he briefly paused at the sight of the guests but quickly regained his composure.
Ethan and the others, savvy mall operators all of them, stood to greet him, lavishing him with compliments.
A woman approached him with a soft and meek posture, pulling a "Matthew" in a low voice.
Matthew frowned slightly, deliberately avoiding her gaze. Sensing the tension, Ethan, always one step ahead, boomed out loud and instructed the server to pour drinks.
They ushered Matthew to the seat of honor.
"Matthew, it's such an honor to have you! I've had my Assistant reach out to you multiple times. Now, let me toast to you first," Ethan said cheerily, his belly protruding like a beer keg. He raised his glass and downed it in one go.
Matthew raised his glass for the formalities and took a sip. Ethan, understanding the unspoken message, joined the other guests in cheerful drinking.
Matthew sat with a serious expression, and the others, familiar with his demeanor, avoided provoking the serious crowd. His mere presence was considered a gesture of goodwill, and no one dared to encourage him to drink more.
The room was abuzz with a lively atmosphere, some standing, some seated.
Matthew sat, considering whether to connect with Madison on Facebook, when he sensed someone taking the seat beside him. He glanced to the side, his brow furrowing slightly. If he had known Brianna would be here, he would have skipped this gathering, regardless of who was footing the bill.
"Matthew, does it have to be this way? Can't we even remain friends?"