“I have a very important meeting at work today,” Shane interrupted. “I cannot afford to be late. Jacqueline will have Jackson and the nurses help her. Don’t worry.” The last sentence was directed toward Natalie.
Jacqueline was unhappy with the sudden turn of events but did not attempt to convince Shane to stay.
It would be asking for trouble if she had insisted that he stayed despite his announcement of having a meeting to attend.
“I understand.” Jacqueline forced a smile. “Safe trip, both of you.”
Shane and Natalie made their way out of the ward and departed.
As they walked along the corridor, Natalie caught sight of the dark circles beneath Shane’s eyes and felt a twinge of pain in her heart. “Did you get any rest last night?”
“I did not sleep a wink.” Shane rubbed his eyes wearily.
“Why not?” Natalie frowned.
“I’ve been going through some documents,” Shane answered as he lowered his hand.
“Was that what you were doing all night?” Natalie pouted.
Shane nodded without comment.
Natalie did not know what else to say. As soon as they had exited the building, she snatched the car keys out of Shane’s hand when he fished them out of his pocket. “You shouldn’t drive if you hadn’t slept all night. You’re endangering other road users, you know? Let me drive today. It’s always me catching a ride with you to work, let me do it for a change.”
She led the way to his car.
Shane chuckled softly and followed her, with the thermal food jar and bag of clothes in his hands.
Natalie dropped Shane off at his office before heading off to her own. As her own car was parked at the hospital, she made a mental note to arrange for someone to bring it to the office for her later that day.
Along the way, Natalie shot a glance at the figure on the passenger seat. “Mrs. Wilson had made you something in the thermal food jar. You haven’t had your breakfast, have you? Why don’t you eat something along the way.”
Shane had not eaten since the night before and was feeling ravenous. At her suggestion, he dug in without another word.
To ensure that Shane had sufficient time to eat, Natalie deliberately drove slower than she normally would. The journey to Thompson Group which would have normally taken an hour from the hospital was stretched to an hour and twenty minutes.
“We’re here,” Natalie announced as the car slowed to a halt.
Shane had finished his breakfast just in time and was wiping his lips with a serviette as Natalie spoke.
“Would you like to head up with me?” He asked suddenly as he was exiting the vehicle.
Natalie was about to reject but it had occurred to her that she had not been here in a long time. In the past when she was employed under the design department of Thompson Group, she had befriended some colleagues and wished to see them.
“Alright!” Natalie nodded with a smile.
I’d like to see how they’re doing.
The couple exited the car and took the private elevator from the parking lot all the way up to the highest floor.
Silas was already waiting outside of the CEO’s office. He was just about to greet Shane as he emerged from the elevator when the sight of Natalie behind him caught him by surprise.
“Madam, you’re here today!”
Natalie smiled. “Good morning, Mr. Campbell.”
“Good morning, Madam.” Silas sank into a courteous bow before bringing a stack of documents over to Shane. “Mr. Shane, the meeting is about to begin. These are the points of discussion for today.”
Shane grunted as he examined the briefs. “Is everyone here?” He said as he handed the documents back to Silas.
Shane pushed the doors to his office open as he strode in, with Natalie and Silas following suit.
“Yes, Sir.” Silas nodded. “Everyone except for Mr. Moore.”
“Why would Alfred have a meeting here at Thompson Group?” Natalie voiced her curiosity.
Silas was hesitant on whether or not he should answer her.
“She is my wife.” Shane spoke up pointedly.
“Yes, Sir.” Silas’s face was grey with anxiety.
Shane’s meaning could not have been clearer. Natalie was deemed privy to this conversation.
“Mr. Moore had introduced a new type of fabric recently,” Silas explained. “Due to problems in our funds and the market for relevant machinery, it is unlikely that this fabric would be able to be mass-produced. The reason why he’s coming here today is to appeal to Mr. Shane to invest in his idea. This meeting was called to determine if this joint venture is worth a shot.”
