Upon Ariel’s return to the mansion, dinner had already been served and the entire family was gathered around the table, engaged in cheerful conversation. However, what irked her most was the sight of her son Trevor, laughing heartily at something Leilani had said.
As if that wasn’t enough, Nelson motioned for Leilani to come closer and then proceeded to kiss her cheek, causing a faint blush to rise to her cheeks. “That’s not acceptable in this household. If you want to do that, go to your bedroom,” Susan scolded playfully.
Nelson smiled and reached for Leilani’s hand, an act which she reciprocated with a smile of her own. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and took a slow sip of water from her glass.
Just then, Ariel entered the room and the atmosphere shifted, the once cheerful smiles fading away. However, she seemed unfazed as she pulled out a chair and sat down, her steely gaze fixed on the others at the table.
“Trevor, your behavior has become increasingly unruly lately and I will not tolerate it. Your own mother comes in and you can’t even say hello. Is that how far you’re willing to turn your back on me?” Ariel spoke up in a displeased tone.
All eyes turned to Trevor, waiting for his response. “You didn’t say hello either when you came in,” he retorted sharply.
Nelson and Leilani exchanged a quick glance, holding back their laughter. They were impressed by Trevor’s response and had to resist the urge to applaud the boy.
“Trevor,” Ariel gritted out, her hands balled into fists on the table.
“That reminds me, Nelson. I actually ended up saving a guy at the grocery store today,” Leilani interjected carefully, purposely disrupting Ariel’s rant.
“Really? How did that happen?” Nelson asked with genuine interest, setting down his cutlery.
“The poor guy accidentally collided with a well-to-do lady, causing a commotion. Despite his immediate apology, the woman continued to make a scene, forcing me to intervene,”
Gradually, Ariel’s brows furrowed as she listened to Leilani’s story.
“I hope you didn’t take things too far, Lani. Did the woman demand more than just an apology?” Nelson inquired.
“She claimed that the boy’s face was so despicable that she could have contracted something just from his touch,” Leilani replied.
Ariel’s narrowed eyes immediately identified the culprit. She recalled his previous words about Leilani being a kind woman, which prevented him from carrying out his plan.
With a burst of determination, she stood up and stormed off. Seething with anger, she retreated to her room and slammed the door behind her.
“I’ll handle it myself,” she seethed through clenched teeth. “I’ll have to take matters into my own hands!”
—-
As Nelson flipped through the files submitted by Herbert, he couldn’t help but steal glances at him from time to time.
For the first time, he felt anxious talking to his assistant. He desperately wanted to address the issue, but didn’t know how to broach the topic.
He was supposed to have talked to Herbert about it yesterday, but Herbert was out on a site visit with the production team, leaving the report for Nelson to review.
Now that he had the report in hand… Nelson let out a silent sigh and snuck another look at Herbert. But his expression remained emotionless.
Was Herbert still upset with him? Has he truly ended things with Hannah? Or was he considering resigning?
No, God, no! Herbert would never quit his job because of a woman. Or would he?
“I have something to discuss with you-”
“I have something to tell you, sir-”
Both men spoke simultaneously, causing Nelson to tense up as he slowly sat upright in his seat.
“I am listening. What do you have to tell me?” he inquired, attempting to conceal his discomfort.
“No, Mr. Carter, please share with me first,” Herbert insisted with a gentle smile.
“As your boss, I command you to speak first,” Nelson’s patience wore thin as he spoke grimly.
“Of course, sir,” Herbert replied quickly, clasping his hands behind his back. “I request to resign.”
Nelson’s eyes widened, as the very thought had just crossed his mind.
“What did you say?” he repeated word for word, standing up gently.
“I apologize, sir, but–”
“You want to resign because I disapproved of your relationship with Hannah?” Nelson interrupted Herbert, not allowing him to finish.
“No, sir, that’s not–”
“Herbert, you’re choosing Hannah over your job? Are you saying you will do anything to prove your love for her?” Nelson’s voice rose as he walked away from his desk.
“I am not against you proving your love, but quitting your job is completely out of it, Herbert. What are you thinking? Especially when I was about to apologize for my behavior and give my consent, but now you’re leaving me?” Nelson exclaimed.
“Herbert, you’re not even considering the years you have worked for me. You’re leaving just like that?” Nelson chided, finally pausing to catch his breath.
Herbert chuckled nervously, “You really don’t want to leave me, sir?”
Nelson scowled, “Are you joking with me?”
“No, sir. I truly want to resign, but not because of Hannah. My father needs me now,” Herbert answered, his expression no longer jovial.
Nelson took a deep breath to calm his nerves and asked calmly, “Has the situation worsened?”
“Yes, sir. He needs me now more than ever. I need to be there, but I am unsure for how long,” Herbert replied.
“Then you request for a leave instead of resigning, you fool!” scolded Nelson.
“I apologize, sir,” Herbert replied with a smile, realizing in that moment just how much Nelson treasured him.
“So when will you be leaving?” inquired Nelson after a brief silence.
“In the next two days,” Herbert answered.
Nelson sighed and nodded, “That’s fine. Take your time and let me know if you need anything.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You may go now,” Nelson dismissed him and Herbert immediately took his leave, but Nelson’s next words stopped him as he reached the door.
“You have my approval, Herbert. You are free to love Hannah without my opposition,” asserted Nelson, still not looking at Herbert’s face as he spoke.
A broad smile spread across Herbert’s face and he quickly nodded in understanding before finally exiting.