Chapter 401
Tanya was momentarily surprised. Then, she said considerately, “It’s fine. Your own business comes first.”
Zark nodded. After Tanya left, he got into his car. He didn’t drive away immediately but took out his phone. He hesitated for a moment, then called Ashley.
Ashley was still at the office. She answered casually. “Mr. Green?”
Zark, hearing the background noise, swallowed his words.“Still at the office?”
“Yes.” She knew that he must be calling her so late for personal business. I’m free tomorrow. What does Betty want to do?”
Zark fell silent. Hearing no reply, Ashley said, “Mr. Green?”
He knew how busy she was this week. It was almost 9 PM, and she was still working. She must be tired. Asking her to spend time with his niece after she’d missed time with her own son seemed cruel.
He said, “We don’t have to do it tomorrow. If you’re tired or busy, let’s reschedule.”
Ashley didn’t feel tired.“It’s fine. Tomorrow works.”
Zark hesitated for two seconds before saying, “Okay.”
As the Sterlings left the restaurant, they encountered the Coopers. Derek and Alex greeted each other. Jeffery greeted Chase.“Mr. Sterling, good to see you.”
Chase said, “You too.”
Sam, holding Chase’s hand, greeted Jeffery.“Uncle Jeffery.”
Jeffery nodded.“Hello.”
Jeffery scanned the Sterlings. He’d met everyone present, noting no unfamiliar woman ór someone who could be Sam’s mother. Had Chase divorced her?
After exchanging pleasantries, the Sterlings left for the hospital to visit Emily. That night, Alex stayed at the hospital. The Sterlings returned home.
As soon as they arrived, Jake said, “Chase, you didn’t forget about the autograph…”
Chase tossed him the car key.“It’s in the car. Get it yourself.”
“Thank you so much!”
Lily asked, “What is it?”
Jake stammered. Chase smiled.“Nothing.”
Relieved, Jake went to get the autograph. Lily didn’t ask further. He returned with several notebooks bearing Ella’s autograph. He wanted a poster, not this.
He said, “But I wanted a signed poster, something I could hang on the wall.”
Chase said calmly, “That’s not suitable for you.”
“Why not?” He just wanted to hang it on the wall.
Chase smiled without answering. Jake understood. He didn’t say anything more. At least, he had his idol’s autograph.
12:45
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Sam approached Chase with his iPad.“Daddy, a new animated film is coming out. The trailer looks awesome. Can we go see it?”
“Daddy is busy tomorrow.” Alex’s return meant there would be many visitors tomorrow.“Ask your mother to take you.”
“Oh…” Sam said, “What about Aunt Tanya? I still…”
“Aunt Tanya has lessons tomorrow. Don’t disturb her.”
Sam was disappointed.“Okay, I’ll ask Mommy.”
Sam called Ashley, who had just returned home. Ashley didn’t answer. She put the phone down and went to shower.
Sam thought Ashley was busy. He said, “Mommy’s probably busy.”
Chase looked at Jake.“Ask your uncle to take you.”
Knowing what was happening, Jake was speechless. He wanted to go out with his friends tomorrow. Remembering Chase’s help and Ella’s kindness, he agreed.
