61The CEO Leaves Early
Madison had just woken up that morning when her phone rang with a call from Grandpa. "Good morning, Madison. It's Grandpa. You got any plans today?”
Receiving the call, Madison guessed that Grandpa must be missing the kids again.
She planned to visit the school and nearby neighborhoods, expecting documents from Calvin. There were no pending revisions for the client's draft, making it a good time for an in-person exploration.
"Good morning, Grandpa. My day is pretty open," Madison replied, considering the idea of taking the kids over to Grandpa's place while she took care of her errands. She felt at ease with them staying with Grandpa.
"Ha-ha-ha! Well then, how about coming over for dinner today? Bring the little ones to keep me company. We could even have a chess game," Grandpa said cheerily, eager for Madison to bring the kids over for a meal.
"Sure, Grandpa. After they get up and have breakfast, I'll bring them over to The Old Residence," she responded.
"Great, I'll have Valerie prepare some extra food. We’ll wait for you," Grandpa's cheerfulness was palpable even through the phone.
After hanging up, Madison finished getting ready and woke up Quentin and Hannah, who dressed themselves and got out of bed. She then headed downstairs to prepare breakfast.
Entering the dining room, she was surprised to see Matthew still at home, eating toast and drinking milk—a rare sight given his usual rush to work.
"Grandpa called, inviting us over for dinner. He's missing Quentin and Hannah. After they have breakfast, I'll take them to The Old Residence," she told him.
"All right, I'll swing by The Old Residence after work to join you for dinner and bring you all back," Matthew said, setting aside his toast and getting ready to leave for work.
Madison thought it wouldn't be a problem if he couldn't make it. They could come back after dinner or even stay overnight at The Old Residence. However, she didn't say anything, not wanting to discourage him from visiting Grandpa.
She brushed off her concerns. Picking them up later was a mere convenience. There was no need to overthink it.
Of course, Matthew wouldn't tell Madison that the real reason he had breakfast at home was just to catch a glimpse of her in the morning.
*
Upon entering his office, Matthew was greeted by Ariel, who brought in his breakfast. "Matthew, your breakfast is here. I'll leave it on your desk."
Approaching his desk, Matthew looked at Ariel, who was carrying in the meal. "Uh, I already ate at home today, thanks. Please take the breakfast out."
Ariel halted mid-step on her way to the guest table, a puzzled expression crossing her face as if she had heard some exotic language from another planet.
It was an unwritten rule that the CEO always had breakfast prepared upon arrival. Today’s revelation that he had eaten at home was astonishing, especially considering that the CEO, who had recently taken a half-month of leave, seemed rather chipper these past few days.
Just yesterday, Ariel overheard that Miss Smith had left the CEO’s office looking quite distressed, with what seemed like a gesture to wipe her eyes.
Gossip was brewing... but Ariel dared not pry.
"Okay," Ariel said, keeping her professional composure despite the inner turmoil, and exited the CEO's office with an untouched breakfast.
Back in the office area, Ariel said, "Whoever skipped breakfast, today's your lucky day — you get Matthew's specially ordered meal."
The young assistants in the CEO's office, overhearing the news, swarmed around excitedly. They were curious about the untouched breakfast Ariel had taken out.
"Ariel, is something wrong with the CEO today? I didn't dare to go in to deliver documents," one guessed.
"Who managed to upset the CEO to the point where he wouldn't eat his breakfast?" another pondered.
"I dare not go in either today," a third admitted. "Despite the CEO being a sight for sore eyes, I'd rather not play with fire."
Ariel, listening to their banter, quickly intervened, "Cut the speculation, folks. Matthew said he had breakfast already."
"Ah, Ariel, you should have said sooner!" they responded with glee.
Ariel smiled, sat down, and began her day's work as her colleagues eagerly dived into the food.
Matthew had been in his office for half an hour when Patrick barged in, his tone sharp and accusatory, "Matthew, why didn't you tell me Sister was back!”
Without much ado, Matthew glanced up calmly from his work and returned to his tasks, blatantly ignoring Patrick.
"You might not have told me, but now that I know, I'm heading over to your place," Patrick commanded, but unfortunately for him, Matthew wasn't one to be ordered around.
Seeing he wasn't getting through, Patrick surprisingly switched tactics to cajoling, “Come on, Matthew. Willow and Quinn have both been over. They've met Sister and the kids and said they are adorable and charming, and Willow even took them out to play. I don't have to go to your place bring them to meet me. Let them see how cool and dashing I am."
Matthew lifted his head, giving Patrick a look one might reserve for an utter fool.
Undaunted, Patrick persisted, "I don’t care how it happens either I go to them, or they come to me. Make it happen today."
Patrick's clamor gave Matthew a headache, "They're over at The Old Residence today. Some other time."
Seeing Matthew relent and the fact that they weren’t even there, Patrick decided to back off, "Fine. But this weekend, I absolutely must meet my two dear nieces and nephews."
He walked out with confidence, his chin held high and a proud swagger in his step, feeling victorious as if he had won the battle.
Finally free of the annoyance, Matthew went back to his paperwork, planning to break early from work that day.
Brian walked in, documents in hand that required Matthew's signature, "Matthew, President Jonah has reviewed the partnership proposal with Global Enterprises and wants you to have a final look."
"All right, leave them here. Let the departments know that if they have any documents for approval, they need to get them to me before noon. I'm leaving at four,” Matthew said with his head buried in paperwork, not even bothering to look up.
"Okay, got it. I'll let them know," Brian said, walking out. As he left the CEO’s office, he pondered if he’d overlooked any pressing matters recently or why else Matthew would seem so eager to leave early.
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