Chapter 967 - Back home (1/2)

~ Los Angeles, Cliffside villa ~

Thursday, 11:19 AM

Sarah was touched when she saw that Sophia, Felix, Haru and the kids together with the rest of the staff organized a warm welcome for her and Aiden.

They had flowers, and balloons and 'Get well soon' banners around the helipad, in the garden and the living area as well as in the master bedroom where extra-wide hospital bed was set up for Aiden, together with the medical machines he will need.

Sarah and Aiden arrived with JoAnna and Emma via helicopter. Jesse was the pilot.

While enjoying the smooth ride, Sarah remembered that Aiden taught Jesse how to pilot a helicopter. Sarah was always amazed by Aiden's ability to transfer knowledge effortlessly and make the most complex things understandable for everyone. She told him more than once that if he ever decides to retire from hacking and coding, he will be an amazing teacher.

Sarah showed several rooms to Emma. ”If you decide to stay here, you can pick any of these.”

Emma confirmed that all of those rooms will work. Well, each room is about the same size with a bed, sitting area, desk and an attached full bathroom. Ocean view is included.

”I still didn't tell Charlie that I plan to move.” Emma said quietly, like she is talking to herself. She looked at JoAnna's inquiring gaze and explained: ”I mean… he knows that I will move out eventually, but I have a feeling that he thought I will stay at his villa until he recuperates completely.”

”Do you think that he will object?”, JoAnna asked while trying to read Emma's reactions.

Based on Emma's calmness, JoAnna concluded that nothing happened between her and Charlie, and Charlie didn't reveal his feelings to Emma. JoAnna wondered if Charlie gave up on pursuing Emma.

Emma shrugged indicating that she does not know. ”We spend few hours talking every day. He might miss that… but on the other hand, he has plenty of visitors. I'm sure he will find a way to fill in the gap after I leave.”

”Will YOU miss that?”, JoAnna continued probing.

”I…”, Emma paused and scrutinized JoAnna. ”Of course, I will. It became a habit to spend late afternoons and dinner time with Charlie. He is a nice guy and fun to talk to. But there is nothing more than that.”

JoAnna awkwardly looked away when she realized that Emma noticed her intention.

”If you say so…”, JoAnna mumbled.

Sarah instructed previously for one office desk and a PC to be added to the master bedroom. She wants to be close to Aiden whenever possible. That steady sound of a heartrate monitor reminds her that he is alive… resting.

Sarah has no intention to rest. She has a plan laid out.

Felix committed to complete Sarah's replacement parts (how JoAnna calls them) by Sunday, and that means: next week Sarah will have her surgery. JoAnna will ensure that everything will be done in secrecy, and Emma will work with her on rehabilitation.

Sarah's priority now is: research. To find out who all was involved in the incident and to devise a plan to get the culprits. First targets are the ones who were involved personally, and then anyone associated with them.

After her surgery, she will focus on getting her arm's functions back and then she will start executing her plan. No one will be spared, and anything useful that they leave behind (like Evalina's apartment), Sarah will keep. Ruthless, just how they were and worse, because what she is doing is not business, it's revenge.

Stella didn't say much, but Sarah knows that look in her eyes while she is avoiding to talk about it. Whatever happened involves Lebedev family, and Sarah is aware that Evalina is from a branch family belonging to Voronins.

That means: her targets are Lebedev and Voronin families. Sarah told herself that she will not back down just because of the strength those families have. Just how she discussed with Aiden, they will plan and use their skills and resources, and... they will succeed.

Sarah powered up the PC and was about to start her information-digging on Voronins, when Sophia's voice came from the door: ”Hey, will you join us for dinner?”

Sophia saw that Sarah is about to reject, so she added: ”Jeff is also here.”

Sarah reluctantly accepted.

JoAnna, Jeff, Sophia, Felix and Emma greeted Sarah with smiles when she came to the dining room.

”It's nice to have you back.”, Sophia said to Sarah during dinner.