At Sophia’s mention of the wedding, Nicole realized that she was actually looking forward to it.
She too, hoped that she could one day stand side-by-side with Evan at the altar, showered with blessings from family members and loved ones.
She wanted to be known as Mrs. Seet, the rightful wife of Evan Seet, in the near future.
The next morning, Sophia had shown up at the door. Maya was slightly hesitant at first when she was told that they were going to the Seet Residence. But at the thought of being able to play with Davin and Sheila, her eyes lit up with a glow.
Juan was indifferent about staying over at the Seet Residence as he was equally fond of Davin and Sheila. It didn’t matter to him wherever they were heading to, as long as he’d get to have fun with them.
Nina, on the other hand, gazed worriedly at the wound on Nicole’s face. She wanted to stay back for her.
Kyle preferred to stay behind at the Imperial Garden as well for a different reason, he didn’t like Uncle Davin that much anyway.
Nicole thought that it would make no difference for Kyle and Nina to remain home as long as Maya stayed away for the time being.
“Alright, you both can stay home as you wish. Juan and Maya, go get your stuff ready and then follow Grandma to the Seet Residence.”
Maya began to doubt again when she realized Nina wouldn’t be going together. Seeing that, Sophia reached out and lifted the girl up in her arms.
“Maya darling,” she consoled her grandchild. “Why won’t you come with Grandma? I’ve prepared some beautiful gifts for you; they’re waiting for you at my house. Besides, you’ll get to spend quite some time with Uncle Davin and Aunt Sheila! They would love to play with you and take you out for shopping and yummy desserts. Besides, Grandpa’s been missing you a lot too!”
Maya finally gave in. She didn’t want to let her Grandma down. Plus, it sounded like a lot of fun!
Ever since their siblings left, Kyle and Nina had been surprisingly at peace with each other in spite of their usually cold attitude.
Nina hummed her favorite rhyme in a gleeful and somewhat off-key tune. It’s a precious opportunity. She thought to herself. Evan always favored Maya over her on most days. But now that she was away, she would be the only daughter left to have all her Daddy’s attention!
It was late afternoon. She had cooped herself up in the study room after lunch, practicing makeup as usual. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Muffled voices and footsteps of the maids could soon be heard from outside. Curious to find out who the unexpected visitor was, she got up and opened the unexpected guest.
Her father had gone to work although it’s a weekend. I should probably let Daddy know about this, she thought.
She closed the door quietly, picked up her phone, and dialed her father’s number.
Evan had been working on an urgent proposal for the company. At the sight of Nina’s ID flashing on the screen of his phone, he picked up without a moment of hesitation.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Umm… There seems to be a guest in the house, Daddy,” Nina whispered.
“Who is it?”
“I heard the maids say it’s Mr. Levant. Apparently he’s here to visit Mommy since he found out that she’s injured.”
Evan clenched his grip on the phone upon hearing the name.
Without any further reply, he hung up the phone. He then stood from his seat, grabbed his coat, and proceeded towards the door of his office without a second thought.
John had been standing aside, awaiting his boss’ decision on the plan. He stared in a daze as Evan walked out of the office hurriedly.
He had only regained his senses a few seconds later. Then, he immediately ran after his boss.
“Mr. Seet! Where are you going?”
“I’m going home.” Evan did not even bother looking back as he answered monotonously.
“H-home?” John was taken aback. He processed it for a second while picking up his pace as he followed after his boss. “But Mr. Seet, the meeting is going to begin soon! What do we say to the board members if you leave like this all of a sudden?”
Evan shot him a sidelong glance. “You’ll explain to them on my behalf.”
John was at a loss for words.
The upcoming meeting would involve the discussion on the proposal they were working on. Above that, all the core board members of the company would be present! How was he supposed to face them and explain the president’s sudden absence?
“Is it an important matter, Mr. Seet? Why don’t you leave it to me? That way you can proceed with the meeting.”
His offer was answered with a cold, sharp glance from his boss.
John stopped in his tracks. He realized what that glance meant. It’s an urgent personal matter which he couldn’t have handled on Evan’s behalf.
He sighed as Evan disappeared out of the office. He walked back into the president’s office, racking his brain on how he should deal with the meeting that was about to start.
Meanwhile, back at the Imperial Garden.
Levant took a light sip of tea, and placed the cup back onto the table gently. He observed the bandage on Nicole’s cheek intently. “Does it still hurt? Should I get a doctor to take another look?” he asked in a concerned tone.
Nicole sat upright on the opposite couch with a calm demeanor. “It’s fine. I’ve got it treated already.”
“I’ve asked Avril to help search for the best medicine. I will deliver it here tomorrow.” His voice remained gentle, yet there was an added hint of persistence.
“No, it’s alright, thank you. I already have everything I need.”
Nicole forced a faint smile while maintaining a distance from him throughout.
