Callie smiled but said nothing.
At that moment, Grape heard the keyword and eagerly jumped into Malakai’s arms. “Malakai, where is Uncle Nick? He promised to take me to Disneyland!”
Malakai picked her up and sat her on his lap. “There’s a storm back home, so his flight is delayed. He might not make it until tomorrow.”
The team leader overheard their conversation and chimed in, “His flight is delayed by ten hours. The competition will be over by then. Nick probably won’t make it.”
Malakai raised an eyebrow and glanced at the woman who was focused on her meal. He smiled, “That’s not necessarily true.”
Callie’s hair was too long, and she had forgotten to bring a hair tie, so she could only loosely gather it with her hands. Her profile remained youthful and lively.
She was only 25 years old.
The team leader clinked glasses with her. “Alice, our team’s venue has been established in Ylosea. Would you like to take some time to see your design in person?”
In recent years, esports had gained significant influence on the world stage, especially back home where it was booming. ST, as a top-tier team in the industry, had received substantial investments, including from Nick.
Nick loved investing in emerging industries, especially esports. He jokingly said that if he couldn’t be a professional player, he would be their financial backer!
Over time, Callie had become familiar with the team members and had even personally designed the main team venue.
Callie politely declined, “Nick sent me a video of it, and there are pictures online. You did a great job.”
“It’s better to see it in person than see pictures. Come with us in a few days to take a look. You’re a major contributor.”
Callie smiled and shook her head. “I have a competition to attend in a few days, so I can’t go back.”
The team leader sighed in disappointment.
By the time the gathering ended, dawn was breaking. Grape had fallen asleep in Callie’s arms.
As the energetic boys walked out, Malakai softly asked Callie, “Let us take you home first. It’s not safe for you to be out with a child.”
“I’m more familiar with Switzerland than you are. Don’t worry.”
“But…”
“Alright, go back. Don’t worry about me.” Callie waved him off and got into the car parked nearby.
After securing Grape in the car seat and ensuring everything was fine, she drove away.
The car moved steadily through the quiet streets, surrounded by the unique architecture of a foreign land that she had grown accustomed to over the past two years.
Free and serene.
The vehicle stopped outside a standalone villa in the city center. Callie gently picked up Grape and said softly, “We’re home, baby. Let’s go inside and sleep.”
Grape was so sleepy she could barely open her eyes but still managed to say in her sweet voice, “Mommy, you worked hard.”
Callie’s heart melted; all her efforts over the past two years were worth it.
As she pushed open the wooden door, a sudden shout came from behind her, “Alice!”
Callie turned around to see a confident man stepping out of a car. He looked slightly travel-worn but carried himself with ease.
“Nick?” She was surprised.
Hearing his name, Grape instantly woke up and wriggled out of Callie’s arms to run towards Nick.
“Uncle Nick!”
“Hey! Grape, did you miss me?” Nick squatted down and picked her up.
“I missed you so much every day,” Grape said sweetly.
Nick kissed her cheek and then walked over with her in his arms. “Malakai told me your gathering was over, so I came straight here. Hope you don’t mind.”