Olivia and Jenny were chatting with the child at the dinner table when the cat stretched lazily at Nanci’s feet, meowing. Nanci picked it up and said, “I’ll give it some breakfast. Bella must be hungry too.”
As Nanci fed the cat, she said, “I haven’t seen you much these past few days. I’m sorry. Mommy has been busy and just wants to rest when she gets home. I’ll take you out to play when I’m free to make it up to you, okay? Eat up now.”
“Daddy will come with you both.”
Nanci turned around. “When did you get here? Why are you walking without making a sound? I didn’t know you had a habit of eavesdropping!”
Edward looked at the people at the table and asked, “You all saw me, right? Was I walking silently?”
Nanci watched as everyone shook their heads in unison. Edward shrugged at her and said, “See? They’re all witnesses. You were just too engrossed in talking to the cat. I came up behind you, and you didn’t notice at all.”
“I’m not talking to you anymore! Let’s go eat. Bella, eat up quickly too.”
Sitting at the table, the first thing she noticed was the burnt fried egg in the shape of a heart. She couldn’t help but laugh, “Whose heart turned black? Jenny, how did you come up with this creative idea?”
Olivia, Jenny, and the little boy had been too polite to comment, but after her remark, they all burst into laughter. The living room was suddenly filled with joyful laughter, except for Edward, who kept a straight face and said, “I made it. Is it that funny?”
Nanci quickly stopped laughing, took a bite of the fried egg, and began lavishly praising it. “Wow, your cooking skills rival Michelin-star chefs! Have you been secretly learning how to cook behind our backs?” She continued to eat while showering him with compliments.
Jenny smiled and said, “Mr. Clarkson made this especially for you. He was worried you might find fault with his cooking.”
Nanci discreetly glanced at his expression and saw Edward smiling at her. She bashfully lowered her head and continued eating. Olivia eased the tension by saying, “Come on, everyone eat quickly! The food will get cold.”
Edward looked at Nanci and asked, “Nanci, is it really good?”
Startled, Nanci quickly looked up and said, “Of course, it’s good! How could it not be? You made me breakfast with your own hands. Look, I’ve already eaten two.”
Edward placed his hand on her head, gently stroking it. “Here, have some water, and don’t rush. You might choke. If you like it, I can make it for you every day.”
Nanci hastily replied, “No need! It wouldn’t look right for the CEO of Alderley Industries to be cooking every day. People might gossip behind my back, saying I’m mistreating you. I can’t bear that accusation!”
“Can’t I even make breakfast for my woman? Just tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll learn to make it for you. Since we’ve discovered your digestive system is weak, I can prepare healthy meals for you. That way, you won’t eat unhealthy food again.”
Nanci thought to herself, “If you cook for me every day, I might end up in the ICU!” She said, “You really don’t have to do that. As the president, you have to work all day-wouldn’t this leave you with even less personal time? Jenny will make meals for me on schedule at home, so you don’t need to worry.”
Afraid that Edward might find more reasons to make more burnt food for her, Nanci turned to Jenny for help.
Jenny glanced at the fried eggs he had made, saw Nanci’s expectant expression, and said, “Does Ms. Ross have a weak digestive system? As it happens, I’ve recently learned several dishes that are particularly good for health. Mr. Clarkson, please don’t worry. I’ll make sure Ms. Ross eats healthily at home and won’t let her eat inappropriate food again.”
Edward had only been teasing her and said, “Well, if you eat carelessly again and end up in the hospital, I really will have to keep you by my side every day and cook for you myself.”
“Alright! I promise I won’t eat inappropriately again. Olivia, Rhys, Jenny, and Bella are my witnesses. Please don’t waste your precious time on me.”
After breakfast, Edward asked Nanci about her plans for the day. She thought carefully, then suddenly hit her forehead. “Oh no! It’s about time-I need to pick up Mr. Simonds to visit Sir Hershey, or Mr. Simonds will think I’m a liar!”
Hearing that she planned to go to two rather remote locations, Edward felt concerned and said, “I’ll go with you since I don’t have much to do today.”
Nanci looked at him resignedly. “Are you treating me like a three-year-old kid who’s easy to fool? How do you know you don’t have much to do when you haven’t even gone to work? Don’t you know I have your assistant’s contact information?”
Realizing he couldn’t change her mind, Edward said, “Then agree to one request from me, and I’ll let you go alone.”
“What’s your request?”
“Wear the engagement ring I gave you. I’m worried some men out there won’t realize you’re taken. That’s not too much to ask, is it? If you don’t agree, I’ll go with you.”
“Fine, I’ll put it on before I go. Now hurry to the office.”
Edward looked at her as if she were being ridiculous. “It seems like you’re treating me like a three-year-old kid who’s easy to fool. Once I’m gone, you definitely won’t wear it. I want to put it on you myself.”
Nanci heard him repeat her words to retort and gave him a helpless look. She took his hand and went back to the bedroom, entered the code for the safe, and Edward quickly took out the ring, dropping to one knee before her.
Nanci said anxiously, “What are you doing? You’ve already proposed! You’re just putting the ring on me. Why kneel? Get up quickly! How can the CEO of Alderley Industries kneel so casually?”
“You’re my wife. It’s my honor to put this ring on you. Of course, I want to make it ceremonial. There, now I’m relieved. I hope other men see this ring and keep their distance!”
Nanci looked at the conspicuous ring on her finger and complained, “You bought such a large one. People will think I’m showing off when I wear this out.”
“I want everyone to know how much I cherish you. My woman deserves the best things in the world. Even if you wanted a star from the sky, I’d find a way to get it for you!”
Nanci covered her mouth and laughed, joking, “Then can you get me the brightest star in the sky? They say our late loved ones become stars in the sky, watching over us. Do you think my mother is watching me?”
“Of course, she is. Look how she led me to you. Isn’t that the best gift? And don’t say no, because there’s no way to return or exchange me.”
“Smooth talker. Now that I put on my ring, what about you?”
Edward took her hand and said, “Alright, I’ll go to work now. Remember, if anything happens, don’t be afraid. Call me immediately. There are bodyguards around you. Try to keep yourself safe until I arrive.”
Nanci got into the car, rolled down the window, and waved at him. “I’m off then. Call me if anything comes up!”
After seeing Nanci off, Edward got into his own car. He opened his phone to check Nanci’s location and smiled with satisfaction. He looked at Issac and asked, “Are you sure the bodyguards around Nanci are the best?”
“They’re among the top experts at Alderley-each could handle dozens of attackers without breaking a sweat. Don’t worry, sir.”
“Good.”
Nanci arrived outside Mr. Simonds’ house and called out, “Mr. Simonds, I’m here to pick you up. Are you home?”
There was no response from inside. Thinking he might be asleep, she called a few more times but still received no answer. She hesitated, unsure whether to enter uninvited. Her upbringing told her it would be impolite to go in without the owner’s permission, so she decided to wait at the entrance.
She took out her phone to call Kaia first, intending to ask about Sir Hershey’s condition.
The call connected quickly, and Kaia’s voice came through. “Is this Ms. Ross?”
“Yes, it’s me. You still remember me-I’m honored.”
“Ms. Ross, you’re a kind person. How could I forget? Did you call to ask if there’s something I need to relay to Sir Hershey?”
“I wanted to ask how Sir Hershey is doing. I’ve been busy with some personal matters lately, so I haven’t been able to check in.”
“Sir Hershey is doing well. He can now walk for tens of minutes each day. He talks daily about inviting you over for a meal to thank you. When might you be free to visit again?”
This gave her the perfect reason to visit. She quickly said, “Please tell Sir Hershey I’ll be over soon, and I’m bringing a friend along. Is that alright?”
“Sir Hershey would be delighted just to have you visit. Your friend is welcome too. I’ll give Sir Hershey the good news right away. See you soon, Ms. Ross.”
“Alright.” After hanging up, Nanci felt anxious. What if bringing Mr. Simonds upset Sir Hershey? But she had made a promise and needed to keep it.
“You’re here.”
Nanci heard the steady voice and looked in its direction. Mr. Simonds was walking toward her from a small path not far away. Afraid of blocking his way to the door, she quickly stepped aside.
Mr. Simonds walked up to her and said, “Come in.”
With his permission, Nanci entered. Once inside the living room, Mr. Simonds poured her a cup of tea and said, “I thought you’d delay for a few more days. Are you finally taking me to see him today?”
Nanci took out the package of needles from her bag and handed it to him. “Mr. Simonds, here are your needles. I’ve been delaying because I haven’t mentioned bringing you to Sir Hershey. I’m really sorry, but I’ll take you to meet him later. You promise there won’t be anything unpleasant happen, right?”
Mr. Simonds said, “Of course not. It’s just been a long time since we’ve seen each other. Keep the needles. I have no children to pass them on to. If they’re useful to you, it’s good that they serve a purpose.”
“Thank you, Mr. Simonds. Shall we go?”
“Let’s go.”