Chapter 533: Chapter 533: I’m Back
Aeon Office Area.
Everyone just had a brief moment of downtime.
A few people were chatting over coffee.
"What’s going on next door? They’ve been making such a commotion these days," someone asked.
"No idea," another tall person said after a sip of coffee, "Maybe a new company is moving in. I remember next door has been vacant for a while."
Others nodded in agreement.
After a while, someone spoke up.
"What do you think Mr. Sheridan is up to these days?"
The tall person shook his head, "No idea, there are all sorts of rumors flying around outside, but without any confirmation, no one really knows."
"Honestly, although the company is doing well under Mr. Hawthorne’s care, I still miss the days when Mr. Sheridan was here."
The tall person smiled nostalgically, "Absolutely. Does everyone remember when we first started? Mr. Sheridan led us from being underestimated to being incredibly admired; it was so exhilarating!"
"Back then, so many companies tried to poach me; they offered insanely high salaries."
"Yeah, I thought Mr. Sheridan would try to keep us with emotional appeal," the tall person continued, taking another sip of coffee, "but unexpectedly, Mr. Sheridan offered us raises, paid vacations, and bonuses—real benefits."
Everyone nodded, smiling at the memories.
"Too bad... we don’t know when Mr. Sheridan will wake up..."
"Yeah, something like that happening at the wedding, it’s really..."
They all sighed.
Break time was about over, and everyone prepared to get back to work.
Just then, a breeze swept in.
And then came the sound of Aeon’s door being opened.
Seemingly sensing something, everyone turned to look.
And then they saw.
Raine smilingly opened the door, and a little girl bounced in.
Following that, a wheelchair was gently pushed in, the person pushing it was Silas Hawthorne, and the figure in the wheelchair was incredibly familiar.
It was Serena!
Bright sunlight streamed through the window, making the whole office exceptionally bright.
The sunlight fell on Serena’s thin and pale face, seemingly freezing this moment in time.
For a moment, everyone was stunned, not knowing how to react.
Serena smiled faintly and said, "What’s wrong, don’t you recognize me?"
A gentle breeze blew through, causing the leaves of the green plants in the office to sway slightly.
"Mr. Sheridan!"
"Serena!"
"Wah, Mr. Sheridan, you’re awake!"
Overwhelmed with emotions, many people had tears in their eyes, especially many female employees who began to cry outright.
They rushed over, surrounding Serena.
"Mr. Sheridan, you’ve finally woken up. It’s been a year, we’ve missed you so much, boo hoo."
"Yeah, Mr. Sheridan, we really miss the days of fighting alongside you!"
"Mr. Sheridan, why are you in a wheelchair, how’s your health?"
...
Serena looked at these people, tears in her eyes as well.
She had heard from Silas and Seraphina that these people chose to stay with Aeon even while knowing she might never wake up.
She was always aware of how Aeon once achieved outstanding results and how many companies tried to poach these employees with very generous offers.
Staying was truly not easy.
Raine on the side was already sobbing uncontrollably.
Many of the employees who gathered around were teary as well.
Serena reached out and wiped the tears from a female employee standing close.
"Yes, I’m awake," Serena said with a smile. "There’s nothing wrong with my health, I just need rehabilitation after lying down for so long. From now on, we’ll continue to fight side by side!"
Everyone clenched their fists, full of motivation.
Serena looked over at Raine.
Raine immediately let the people behind to come in.
What came in was the newly ordered afternoon tea for today.
And, a bunch of red envelopes.
"Wow!"
Everyone’s eyes lit up.
Serena beamed with joy watching them.
"We’re not into anything flashy. At Aeon, we’re all about being straightforward," Serena said with a smile, "Good food, vacations, and money!"
That familiar sense of simplicity.
Everyone applauded.
"Everyone’s worked hard this past year," Serena continued, "Increased salaries, bonuses, and paid vacation are all available. Raine and the finance department will make an announcement later."
"Yes!" Raine nodded immediately.
"It’s been a year here; we should expand a bit," Serena continued, "Recently, I’ve had someone take over the next door. We’re tidying it up, and when it’s done, you can choose your favorite workspaces from over there and here."
"We also need to hire more people."
Serena smiled, "At that time, you all will need to lead others."
Everyone cheered.
With Serena back, the benefits, workplace, and even help in handling the work had all improved significantly.
If Serena wasn’t still in a wheelchair with not very good health, they would have lifted her up in celebration.
"Alright, enough said, enjoy the food and grab a red envelope!" Serena said with a laugh.
"Okay!"
Everyone rushed over to get stuff.
Serena, Seraphina, and Silas headed to Serena’s former office together.
A pot of potted plant was carried by someone following them.
The door swung open.
The room was full of sunlight.
Everything was just like before.
Serena smiled slightly.
The person behind placed the potted plant on the desk along with Serena’s previous photo frames.
Serena looked up, made eye contact with Silas, and they shared a smile.
"Thank you for everything this past year," Serena said softly.
Silas chuckled, "Serena, between us, there’s no need for thank you."
Serena nodded with a smile, then looked over at the eagerly looking Seraphina standing nearby.
Serena reached out and pinched Seraphina’s cheeks, "Thanks to you too, Seraphina."
Seraphina immediately snuggled into Serena’s arms.
"Mom, I don’t need thanks either," Seraphina said in a clear and bright voice.
Serena hugged Seraphina, the soft little girl, so adorable.
Serena looked up at the potted plant there.
Still lush and green.
Serena smiled.
Raine on the side had already set up the devices, Serena looked at Silas and nodded slightly.
For the past three days, rumors about Serena have been flying everywhere.
Earlier, someone had even said a car was parked in front of Aeon’s building.
All stories seemed so detailed.
Many were discussing.
Just then, Aeon’s official account announced an upcoming live stream.
Countless onlookers were attracted and flooded in.
Five minutes later.
The live stream started.
As the equipment was adjusted and the image cleared up, Raine’s face appeared on screen.
"Today, we at Aeon have some great news to announce!" Raine said.
Then, a wheelchair came into the frame, with Serena seated in it.
Serena smiled gently at the camera and said softly, "Hello everyone, I’m Serena."
"I’m back."
