Chapter 62 The Call from Nicholas
After Matthew left for work, Madison prepared breakfast as the two little ones dressed brushed their teeth, washed up, and ran downstairs.
Three people sat around the breakfast table, having milk with their breakfast. Between bites, Madison spoke up, "WilTristan called and wants us to come over for a meal. After breakfast, we should head over to his place, okay? He's been missing Quentin and Hannah."
"Okay, Mom. I missed WilTristan too," Hannah mumbled with her mouth full, her words slightly garbled.
"Hannah, eat a little slower," Madison urged, worrying she might choke.
Her son, like Matthew, was always well-mannered at the dining table. Quentin finished his meals without a spot on his clothes, unlike his younger sister, who often looked like a messy kitten after eating.
"Mom, I miss WilTristan too. I want to go and play chess with him again," Quentin chimed in happily, hearing they were heading to The Old Residence. His mom and godmother were no match for him in chess, let alone Hannah. It was always more interesting to play with WilTristan.
Having finished breakfast, Madison cleared the dishes while Quentin and Hannah packed the toys they wanted to bring, each slinging their little backpacks over their shoulders. The trio hailed a cab to The Old Residence.
As they neared their destination, Madison called Grandpa to inform him they were arriving. As the cab rounded the corner, they caught sight of The Old Residence's grand entrance and spotted Uncle Tristan and the butler waiting for them.
The cab came to a stop. Quentin and Hannah scurried out.
"Take it easy, you two. Don't trip," Madison called after them.
"We know, Mom," the two little ones replied, racing toward WilTristan, "WilTristan, we're here!"
"I've prepared lots of tasty treats. Let's go inside," the butler said, leading the eager children by their hands.
"Good day, madam," Uncle Tristan greeted Madison respectfully.
She nodded with a slight smile.
Inside, Quentin pulled WilTristan to the chessboard, eager for a game, while Hannah watched the match unfold.
Madison got school information from Calvin that morning and reached for her phone to call Rachel, wondering if she had time to accompany her to check the school and scout for houses nearby.
She grabbed her phone no sooner than a call from Nicholas came through. She strolled to the garden to answer it.
"Nicholas~"
"Madison, I'm back in Horizon City from Capital City. In a couple of days, I'm planning a trip to Frostpine. Where are you guys staying? I'd love to catch up with Quentin and Hannah."
"Nicholas, we haven't returned to Frostpine. We're still in Horizon City."
"Is something wrong?" Nicholas's voice carried a hint of urgency. Considering the past kidnapping scare with Quentin and Hannah, he had reasons to be concerned.
"We're fine. It's just... their dad found out about them," Madison explained.
"So, you and Matthew made up?" There was a sad note in Nicholas's voice.
"No, it's not like that. Grandpa pressured Matthew into the marriage, so... I just want to be there for Quentin and Hannah."
"Since you're in Horizon City, how about I take you guys out for lunch today? Are you free?"
"I'm planning to visit the school with Rachel to enroll Quentin and Hannah."
"I’m free today. I'll join you and help check it out. Where shall I pick you up?"
"No need, I'll send you the school address. Let's meet at the school gate," Madison decided, thinking it would be helpful to have an extra person to consult with about such a significant decision as buying a house.
After hanging up with Nicholas, she called Rachel, who lived close by and could drive over and join them.
Once plans were set, Madison went to the study room to find the kids playing chess intently, with Hannah unusually quiet today.
She informed Grandpa that she needed to go out with friends and reminded the children, "Mom’s got to see Aunt Rachel for a bit. Be good at WilTristan's house, and I'll be back after my errands to pick you guys up."
"Okay, Mom." The youngsters were used to the idea of visiting Aunt Rachel they understood that Mom often needed to work on things with her.
Rachel messaged on Facebook, saying she'd be arriving soon. Madison headed to the front door to wait for her. As soon as she got in the car, they drove straight toward the school address.
By the time they arrived, Nicholas was already standing at the school’s entrance. Madison had given Rachel a heads-up about Nicholas's arrival, so when they got out of the car, their greetings were smooth and devoid of awkwardness.
Since they couldn't enter the school, the trio strolled around the perimeter fence. They could not help but admire the fantastic school environment, with students playing soccer on the field.
Hearing Madison's plans to buy a house, they decided to check the nearby neighborhoods for suitable communities. It was nearing noon when Nicholas mentioned a cozy place called Homestyle Cuisine that a friend had recommended. He suggested they go there to grab a bite.
*
On the top floor of JK Group.
A young assistant in the CEO's office rushed to Ariel in a panic.
"Ariel, I'm in trouble. I screwed up. I forgot to order the boss's lunch, and I'm not sure what to do now. He's off his regular vacation schedule, and I spaced out while I was busy printing documents. It's already noon," she said, teetering on the brink of tears.
Ariel felt the urgency but held back any harsh words, seeing the young girl's distressed state.
Just then, Matthew walked in, asking, "Has lunch arrived?"
It was typically delivered to his office at noon sharp, but today, at 12:10 PM, there was still no sign of it, prompting his inquiry.
Everyone fell silent at his entrance. The young assistant, now even more frightened, looked desperately toward Ariel for help.
Bracing herself, Ariel said, "Matthew, I apologize, but we got a bit sidetracked this afternoon and forgot to order your lunch."
She glanced at her takeout on the desk.
"If you don't mind, you could have my lunch," she quickly offered, handing him her $20 takeout bag—better something than nothing.
Matthew took a brief look.
"Never mind, I'll eat out," he decided, phoning Calvin as he walked toward the elevator. The moment the elevator doors closed behind him, everyone exhaled a sigh of relief, thinking, "The Boss sure is easygoing today."
Matthew called Brian. "Bring the car to the lobby. We're going out for lunch."
After waiting a few minutes in the lobby, Brian arrived with the car.
Once Matthew was inside, Brian asked, "Matthew, where would you like to eat?"
"Let's hit up that Homestyle Cuisine place we tried last time. It's closer to the office, and the food was pretty decent."
"Sure thing." Taking the cue, Brian drove off.
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