Josie responded with a chuckle. Just then, Grape heard the keyword and eagerly jumped into Michael’s arms. “Mikey, where is Mr. Lachlan? He promised to take me to Disneyland!”
Michael lifted her onto his lap. “There’s a storm back home, so his flight has been delayed. It looks like we’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
Upon hearing their conversation, the team leader interjected, “He’s more than ten hours late, and the competition is already over. I doubt Lachlan will show up.”
Michael raised an eyebrow, chuckling as he glanced at Josie, who was engrossed in her meal. “That’s not necessarily the case.”
Josie’s hair had grown too long, and she had forgotten to bring a hair tie. Thus, she could only loosely gather it with her hand, revealing a youthful side profile.
After all, she was only twenty-five years old.
The team leader clinked glasses with her. “Jo, our team’s arena has already been established in Wavery. Can you find some time to go back and see the place you designed yourself?”
Over the past two years, e-sports had made a significant impact on the global stage, especially within the country where its popularity was increasing. ST, as a top team in the industry, had received numerous investments, including one from Lachlan.
He was a man who loved investing in all sorts of emerging industries and was particularly passionate about esports. He would often say that if he couldn’t be a professional player, he might as well be their financial backer.
As time went by, Josie became more involved and familiar with the team members. She even drew the design plan for their home arena.
Josie rejected him calmly, “Lachlan has already shown me the video, and there are pictures of it online. You guys did a good job.”
“How could looking at it online be the same as reality? Come back with us for a visit. After all, you’re the hero of the hour.”
Josie shook her head with a light smile. “I can’t go back. There’s a competition I need to attend in a couple of days.”
The team leader let out a sigh, visibly disappointed. The party had come to an end, and dawn was fast approaching. At that moment, Grape was asleep in Josie’s arms.
The spirited boys headed out, and in a low voice, Michael asked Josie, “Shall we escort you home first? It’s not safe for you to be out here with a child.”
“I am more familiar with Sumanthova than all of you, so there’s no need to worry.”
“But…”
“Alright, go on now. Don’t worry about me.” Josie waved at him, then got into the car parked by the side.
She placed Grape in the child seat, ensuring she was secure. Only after confirming there were no issues did she drive away.
The car drove steadily through the quiet streets. All around were buildings unique to this foreign land. For her, these sights had become all too familiar over the past two years.
The scene brought her a sense of freedom and comfort.
The vehicle came to a halt outside a standalone mansion in the city center. Josie gently lifted Grape in her arms and softly said, “We’re home now, sweetheart. You can continue sleeping once we’re inside, alright?”
Grape was so tired that she couldn’t open her eyes, yet she still managed to say in a babyish voice, “Mommy, thank you.”
Josie’s heart melted. All the efforts she had put in over the past two years were indeed worthwhile. She had just pushed open the wooden door when a sudden shout rang out, “Alice!”
Josie turned around, only to be met with the sight of a man elegantly stepping out of the car. He was dressed casually, and every move he made exuded confidence, yet there was a slight tinge of weariness.
“Lachlan?” she exclaimed in surprise.
Upon hearing this name, Grape suddenly shook off her drowsiness. She struggled free from Josie’s embrace and jumped down before bumbling forward toward Lachlan.
“Mr. Lachlan!”
“Ah! Grape, did you miss me?” Lachlan crouched down and picked her up.
“I’ve been thinking of you every single day,” Grape said sweetly.
Lachlan kissed her on the cheek, then walked over holding the child. “Michael said the dinner party was over, so I came straight here. You don’t mind, do you?”
