Gary was crying his eyeballs out, “I’d love to follow his will if he didn’t want to end the glory of the house. I only have a small favor to ask this time. I saw a plot of land in the suburbs. And there are only some formalities left to be done. Could you help me get it? Please, it’s just a little favor. I know you’re a kind person.”
Darwin huffed, his tone a bit snobbish, “What kind of land is it?”
Gary hurried to say, “It’s vacant. I’m thinking of building a factory on it. You will definitely help me, won’t you? Just for the friendship between the two houses during past decades.”
Getting a plot of land was not difficult for Darwin. But Franco just told him that he couldn’t get involved with Wayne. Darwin was still a bit hesitant.
Gary paused for a while, “Darwin… Are you scared of your son?”
Before Gary could finish the sentence, Darwin snapped, “Why the heck are you mentioning him?”
Gary sounded careful, “Linford is the one who runs the company, after all. The old man saw him before he died. I’m just afraid of that…”
“What are you afraid of?” Darwin thundered, feeling humiliated, “Even though he’s powerful in this family, he’s still my son. He can’t tell me what to do. You go back first. I’ll send someone to check out the land. But don’t get your hopes too high because I can’t promise if we’re gonna get the land or not. But I’ll try.”
Gary knew he just got what he wanted. He stood up, smiling, “Of course. Of course. Thank you so much, Darwin. Thank you!”
Darwin bellowed, “Get the fuck out of here already!”
After Gary left, Darwin was still mildly pissed off. Was this how other people viewed him? A father who was scared of his son?
Linford would fall one day if he refused to listen to his father!
****
Cristelle and Fritzi were discussing the new trend for next season. Jasper’s call suddenly came in. Cristelle paused for a while and found a quiet place, picking up the phone, “Hello? What can I help you with?”
Jasper’s voice was as gentle as always, “Do I have to call you only when I have a favor to ask? What if I just want to hear your voice?”
Cristelle frowned, not knowing how to respond to that.
Jasper cleared his throat, “Well… I’m actually starting my own business recently. Are you interested in joining me? I actually called to ask you to be my partner.”
Cristelle was also trying to find a chance to make things clear with him. So she nodded, “Okay. See you later in the café.”
****
“So, this is the overall landscape. What do you think? Do you wanna join us?” Jasper smiled as he turned the laptop away.
Cristelle shook her head, “I probably won’t. You said you’re starting your business, but you’re literally building a studio that revolves around me. I appreciate your kindness as a friend, Jasper. But I don’t think things will work out between us.”
Jasper’s mouth dropped open, not expecting to hear a straight refusal from her. He hurried to say, “We’ve known each other for so many years. We’re friends. What do you mean by saying that?”
Cristelle didn’t want to waste her time anymore. So she told him the whole story about her being bitten.
“We’re not in a relationship. But some people might get the wrong idea. I think we should keep our distance, so both of us won’t be mistaken.”
“Zoe? She did that because of me? Yes, we had an engagement, but it was gone years ago. We really have nothing to do with each other. I don’t even remember her face. Why would she do this to you because of me?” Jasper felt incredulous. Was that woman stupid?
Cristelle thought for a while, “I don’t know. But a fact is a fact. I don’t think we should waste too much time on each other. My job is pretty busy today. I really need to go.”
Linford had overheard everything in the corner of the café. He had a big smile on his face as he put down the newspaper in his hand.
****
Cristelle went back to the company. When the doors of the elevator slid open, she looked up and saw Linford’s handsome face. She faltered for an awkward pause, but she still walked in in the end.
The silence was awkward.
“Let’s go pick Candace up together after work. Grandpa said Candace’s been good, and she learned a lot from Cindy,” Linford suddenly said.
“Mm-hmm,” Cristelle looked away uncomfortably.
Linford thought for a second, “Pop said he also prepared a meal for us. He wants us to stay for dinner. He’s always living in that house by himself. I bet he’s quite lonely.”
“Right,” Cristelle nodded.
Linford kept a straight face, but he was a bit panicked inwardly, “Pop also said Candace was tired after all day’s learning. He prepared a room for us. So we can stay there for the night. Is it okay for you?”
Cristelle hummed.
“And…” Linford tried to say more.
“Can you finish it with one breath?” Cristelle frowned, “It’s tiring to talk like this.”
Linford smiled, “I just wanna make sure you like it this way. If you don’t want to stay, we can pick Candace up and go home.”
“Pop tried to arrange all this for us. We shouldn’t let him down. Besides, Candace is tired. We can stay for the night,” Cristelle mentioned.
“Yes, of course,” Linford lowered his gaze.
The elevator stopped, and the doors slid open. Linford walked out and walked directly toward his office, feeling a bit happy.
Linford patiently waited until it was time to leave the company. He didn’t walk out of his office until he saw Cristelle walk past, managing to get in the elevator with her at the same time.
They didn’t exchange many words on their way back.
When they arrived at Franco’s place, Jack came out to welcome them, “Candace’s inside. Franco’s so happy that she came here today. They’re walking in the garden right now.”
Linford smiled, “I’m glad to hear that.”
He tried to put his arm around Cristelle’s shoulders, but Cristelle took a step forward and dodged him.