Chapter 297 - Different Woman (1/2)
”Frederick!” Nicholas Crow called out to him.
With hurried steps, Fred climbed the staircase, spreading his arms to embrace the man. ”Brother…”
”It's been a while, Frederick.” Nicholas smiled and returned the embrace. He patted Fred's back before he let him go to look at the man walking behind Fred. Nicholas shifted his attention to Vincent.
Fred nodded. He introduced Vincent to Nicholas. ”My oldest child and only son, Vincent...”
”It's an honor to meet you, Master Crow.” Vincent politely greeted the man immediately, stretching his arm for a handshake.
Instead of accepting Vincent's hand, Nicholas embraced him tight. ”You grow up well.” He said in a cheerful tone. He even sounded proud. ”You look just like your father when he is younger.”
Vincent smiled, a little embarrassed. Everyone tells him how he looks like his dad and something he got used to already. But it was strange he felt shy to be said by someone like Nicholas Crow.
Probably, his presence intimidated him to feel this way.
”Mr. Shen, welcome back.” Shun extends his hand toward Fred.
”Thank you, Chairman Crow.” Fred takes Shun's hand for a handshake, then says, ”I guess I don't need to introduce my son.”
”Of course.” Shun smiled. He shifted his gaze to Vincent. ”I'm glad to see you once again, Vincent.”
”It's my pleasure to meet you once again, Chairman….” Before he could finish, he was stopped by Shun.
”Shun… Just call me by name, okay? You and my cousin are getting married. We are a family now.” Shun said that it gratified both Fred and Vincent with the warm welcome they've received.
”Shun…. It's been a while. Thank you for the assistance you sent to Metro Cities. The entrapment succeeded, and Liam apprehended smoothly.”
Shun smiled at Vincent, then replied, ”Small thing. Thanks for your cooperation. Liam was easily arrested.”
Vincent somewhat felt awkward exchanging compliments from the Mafia Emperor. Gladly, Shun realized this as well.
”Why are we only standing here? Let's go inside and get something to drink. We have more hours for a chit-chat before the Elders arrive,” said Shun; he led them into the Salon and offered some liquor when they got inside the room.
Nicholas and Fred choose to sit on the sofa in the corner of the room while Shun leads Vincent toward the bar and offers one of the stools to sit on.
”Any particular drinks?” He asked Vincent once he stood behind the counter.
Vincent replied shortly, ”Anything is fine.”
Shun turned around and stretched his arm to reach a bottle above his head from the shelves, then carefully poured the spirit into the two clean glasses and offered one to Vincent.
He gladly accepted the liquor, gulped the content in one go.
When Shun poured his glass once again, he also hurried to empty his glass for a second time.
Vincent sighs with satisfaction. The liquor washes away the tension he's only concealing all this time.
Honestly, he is terrified to think that he's going to die. He could still recall those sounds created by changing bullets.
Not this time… He thought.
He owed Hailee a wedding. He wanted to see his children. He wished to grow old with her and watch their children grow, marry, and meet his grandchildren before he died.
This realization is a prayer from the bottom of his heart. Vincent heaves a long sigh, then says to Shun.
”I wanted to make a call to Hailee to let her know we've arrived,” Vincent told Shun after his thoughts pulled him away.
Shun nodded and patted his back. ”Go ahead.”
Vincent stood up, then walked toward the French window. He pulled out his phone from his trench coat pocket, then dialed Hailee's number.
His chest aches the moment he hears this sweet voice.
*
Perth, Australia
A few hours ago…
”Dad…” Hailee hugged her dad tightly.
”Don't worry, princess. Shun will allow no one to harm Vincent.” Jacob did his best to comfort his daughter. He is worried it will affect her pregnancy. ”Don't overthink, okay? Think of my grandchildren. Next week, we can confirm how many babies you have here! Dad will be there that day and Vincent as well.”
Hailee nodded and smiled. She understood her dad says these to calm her down, and it's working.
After she nuzzled her dad, it was Alex she stuck into this time. Alex combed her hair and said comforting words like Jacob to soothe her.
Both men are worried that she will do something behind their back. Somehow, in this passing year, they notice Hailee becomes capable of many things using her very own strategies and connections.
At the window, Hailee watched the car leaving the mansion.
Just like that… Alex suddenly arrived in Australia. Just like that, Alex flew back to Hungary. And this time, her dad is with him.
Now that the car disappeared through the gate, Hailee sat down on a love seat near the window.
Andre, who remained silent the entire time, leaning on the wall in the corner, finally moved and walked closer to her. He received a firm order from his brother-in-law not to let Hailee leave the mansion until they returned.
Hailee remained silent even after he sat down next to her. Andre studied her face, and he could tell that there were few changes in her.
The energy emitting from her body is overwhelming. She was in deep thought, and it intrigued him what it was.
His brother-in-law is right. Hailee might do something behind their back, and so he has to watch this girl closely.