Chapter 106: Cooking Up Some Ideas
Harrison and Brenda exchanged a knowing glance, their minds synchronizing in disapproval.
"Yeah, Father, we’re not as shameless as you.." they thought in unison, their silent criticism hanging in the air.
Rosie spoke up,"Darling, you should keep quiet and not always nudge the youngsters with your outrageous ideas." She massaged her temple.
Brenda intervened, "Sister-in-law, we should leave this place. It’s getting late."
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm. Perhaps that’s wise."
Brenda and Elizabeth retreated to the kitchen. They prepared snacks for the family, their quiet companionship a welcome respite.
In the garage..
"Emerson, with whom you want to go now?" Liam asked.
Emerson’s eyes sparkled. "Hmm...I think I should go with you now and while coming back I would go with Brother Ryder. Perfect idea!" She clapped her hands as she spoke.
Liam turned to Ryder. "Ryder, then I am taking my leave with Emerson."
Ryder nodded. "Hmm."
Ryder stood beside his sports car,a black Maserati Granturismo .
Liam escorted Emerson to his black Ferrari 488 GTB and settled her into the passenger seat. He then returned to the driver’s side, slipping behind the wheel.
Before starting the engine, Liam turned to Emerson with a concerned expression. "Comfortable?"
Emerson smiled warmly. "Yes, Brother Liam."
Assured, Liam asked, "Ready?"
"Yes, Brother Liam."
Liam nodded, started the car, and put it into gear.
Inside Thea’s house, Charlotte asked, "Where are you meeting them?"
Thea hesitated, realizing she had forgotten to ask the location. "I haven’t asked yet."
Charlotte’s expression turned pressing. "Call Professor Liam now and confirm the location."
"I can call Ryder."
But Charlotte’s expression turned stern. "Don’t you realize that would ruin my plan?"
Her confusion deepened. "I don’t get it."
She shook her head, seeking clarification.
Charlotte’s voice rose in frustration. "If you call Mr.Thompson now, he’ll know you’re going there. What’s the point of the surprise then?"
Thea still looked perplexed.
Charlotte sighed, her tone softening to a murmur. "You’re a bit dense when it comes to romance."
Thea swiftly retrieved her phone and dialed Liam’s number.
After a few rings, the call connected.
"Hello.." Liam’s voice came through the line.
"Liam, I forgot to ask you about the location."
There was a brief pause before Liam responded.
"Okay..." Thea hummed, nodding to herself as she scribbled down the details.
"Got it?" Charlotte asked, noticing her had ended the call.
Thea smiled. "Yeah, it’s at Diamond Dining Club."
"Diamond Dining Club?"Charlotte continued, being dramatic. "Why am I thinking absurd things?"
"What absurd things?"
"Thea, guess what? The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is just around the corner from here. You should totally seize this opportunity." Charlotte whispered mischievously."Book a room, invite Mr. Thompson, and... well, you know what I’m getting at." Charlotte hinted.
"Think about it, a luxurious getaway, just the two of you. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic escapade."
"Tempt fate and have fun!"Charlotte’s eyes shone brightly by giving her friend this suggestion
Thea’s eyes widened, understanding Charlotte’s implication.
"You better keep your mouth shut." She warned, her cheeks flushing. "I don’t have absurd ideas like you."
Charlotte persisted, "But it’ll be a great chance. Don’t miss it. You can easily win your crush’s heart by this method."
"Charlotte, I don’t believe in those words. I believe in modesty, and I won’t do anything to harm our long friendship, even if in the future we can’t be together in a matrimonial relationship."
Charlotte’s face broke into a warm smile. "That’s my girl. I knew it. You won’t."
"Shall I drop you off at your location?" Charlotte asked, winking.
"Don’t worry, after dropping you off, I’ll head straight home."Charlotte’s grin hinted at mischief.
"That’s not what I meant."Thea’s hands folded across her chest. "Then what did you mean?"
"Are you cooking up some ideas in that head of yours?" Charlotte’s gaze shifted, avoiding eye contact. "No."
"Don’t lie to me."
Charlotte’s voice dropped to a whisper. "Yes... but it’s not about you."
"Better that you didn’t, or else you’ll face the consequences."Thea’s laughter filled the air, and Charlotte’s cheeks flushed, her secret left unspoken.
"It’s getting late." Charlotte urged, nudging her.
"Let me put on my shoes first." She walked to the cabinet and pulled out a pair of black heels. "Do you think these will go well with this outfit?" she asked, seeking Charlotte’s approval.
Charlotte smiled. "Perfect match."
Downstairs,Thea called out to her grandmother. "Grandma, we’re leaving."
Charlotte added, "See you later, Grandma. Don’t forget to take the fruits I bought for you."
Grandma Grace looked up, curious. "You’re already leaving?"
"I’ll drop her off at her location and then head straight home."
Grandma Grace nodded warmly. "Be careful on the road."
Stuck in the traffic jam, Charlotte’s car inched forward. Suddenly, she whispered to Thea, "A man is checking you out."
She followed Charlotte’s gaze to the car beside them. A young man in his early twenties was stealing glances at her.
"Ignore him." Thea said, preferring not to let it ruin her mood.
Charlotte grinned mischievously. "I told you many people would fall for you today."
With her hands still on the wheel, Charlotte quickly rolled down her window and called out to the man.
"Hey, brother..Your chance is missed. She’s already taken."
The man’s face turned bright red as he was caught staring. Thea’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Why are you so shameless?" Thea was embarrassed.
"I’m going to go say hello to Mr. Thompson’s friend and our wealthy professor, Liam."
"Don’t mention anything unnecessary." Thea warned.
Charlotte mimed zipping her lips shut. "Yup, I’ll keep my mouth sealed about your feelings for your childhood friend."
She shot Charlotte a cautionary glance.As soon as they reached the destination, Charlotte’s phone rang.
"Hello, Grandma."
"Yup, I’m coming back later." Charlotte replied before ending the call.
Turning to her, Charlotte explained, "I have to return home now. Grandma told me to go and meet someone; it’s important. Today I can’t go and say hello to Mr. Thompson’s friends."
"Say Mr. Thompson my greetings, and wish him the best of luck." Charlotte said, blowing Thea a few flying kisses.
"Drive safely, and I’ll call you tonight. Bye."
Thea stepped out of the car and waved goodbye. Charlotte started her engine and pulled away, heading in the direction of her home.
She stood before the Diamond Dining Club, its sleek entrance flanked by two imposing guards. One of them stepped forward,"Miss, please show your membership card."
Thea’s hands fluttered through her purse,"I don’t have it. I’ve come to meet my friends."
The guard’s expression remained stern, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of admiration for her beauty. "I apologize, miss. Without the card, you won’t be allowed entry. You can ask your friend to bring it for you."
Thea nodded thoughtfully. She decided to call Liam, but her call went unanswered. She tried again, still no response.
"Should I call Ryder?" she thought, but Charlotte had explicitly instructed her not to inform him about her arrival.
Undeterred, she scrolled through her contacts, landing on John’s number - the same one he had used many years ago. She wasn’t sure if he still used it, but it was worth a shot. Taking a deep breath, she dialed the familiar digits. As the phone rang, her eyes locked onto the guards, their watchful gazes a reminder that time was ticking.
"Hello.." Thea said, relieved the call was picked up."Hello, is this John?"
"Yes." John replied.
"I’ve arrived, but I don’t have my membership card.."
The call ended abruptly.
Meanwhile, the bodyguard’s walkie-talkie crackled to life. "You are Alethea Klein?" he asked, eyeing Thea.
"Yes." she confirmed.
"This way, please, Miss," the bodyguard directed, stepping aside.
"Thank you," Thea said graciously before entering.
The bodyguards exchanged discreet glances.
"I can’t believe she’s someone the boss knew." one whispered.
"She might be an influential figure." the other agreed.
"We shouldn’t interfere with our boss’s private matters." the first bodyguard cautioned.
Thea stepped inside, her eyes scanning the crowded room. The hum of conversation and clinking glasses filled the air. She spotted a waitress, elegantly dressed, and approached her.
"Excuse me.I’m looking for Mr. John Smith."
The waitress’s gaze swept over her figure before a polite smile crossed her face. "Right this way, ma’am."
She led her through the bustling space to a secluded glass room. Thea’s eyes followed the waitress’s gestures..
"Thank you." Thea said sincerely.
The waitress acknowledged her gratitude with a nod and opened the door to the glass room, showcasing its lavish interior.
She stepped inside to find John was sitting along with a little girl who was sleeping.
