Chapter 31

Chapter 31 Return

Vania blinked a few times before she realized what Hanson was trying to say. Oh, so that’s what he’s asking about. She had no idea why he wanted to know that, but she shook her head. “No. Why do you ask?”

The frown disappeared from his forehead when he heard her response. He felt relaxed and heaved a sigh of relief. “Nothing,” he answered. “You should pack up now.”

“Okay.” She gave him a look of suspicion, though she did not ask why he wanted to know that.

Hanson was watching her, feeling really happy that Vania was single. A moment later, however, he chided himself, So what if she’s single? That’s none of my business. I’m just trying to help. She might get duped, and I’m too kind to stand by and watch that happen. Something bad might have happened if I hadn’t come to her help. Yep, that’s right.

He then took a big bite of the food. Not bad. This is peak Eastland brekkie.

…

Vania and Hanson arrived at Hammond International Airport five hours later. Linda was already waiting for Vania at the entrance, but when she saw her showing up with Hanson, her eyes widened in disbelief. Why’d they come together? Is Mr. Luke coming to Eastland as well?

Linda wanted to know what the truth behind this was.

Before she got into the car, Vania told Hanson professionally, “I will bring the contract to Luke Corporation first thing tomorrow morning. Thank you for your help. Goodbye.”

Hanson nodded. “Alright.”

He might have seemed deadpan on the outside, but he was laughing on the inside. She has two personas, huh? She’s a different person in Hammond. Interesting.

Linda knew the trip had failed, for Vania came back all by herself after all. Linda could see the sadness in Vania’s eyes, and she sympathized with Vania.

Vania reclined back into her seat as the exhaustion took over her while she said, “Take me home.”

“Yes, boss.” Linda sped up.

Vania stared at the scenery outside the window. Home was where her heart was; as long as she could rest, she would always get back to work the next day feeling refreshed.

Vania spaced out all the way home. The events that happened over the last two days played in her mind like a movie in fast-forward mode. She snapped out of it a moment later, and there was nothing but an icy chill in her eyes. I’ve underestimated Melanie, it seems.

The car stopped before the gates of Haling Villa.

Vania told Linda, “Handle the company for the day. I’ll come back tomorrow.”

Linda nodded, for she knew Vania needed her rest. “I understand. Get some rest, boss. I’ll be going now.”

“Go.”

The moment she came back into the villa, her kids surrounded her. “Welcome back, Mommy! We’ve missed you!” They circled their mother, trying to see if she was hurt anywhere.

The sight of her children washed away all her frustrations. She held them in her arms and kissed their foreheads. “I’m fine, kids,” she said, her voice thick with worry and longing. “I’m back in one piece, so don’t worry about it. I was saved in the nick of time thanks to your tracking device, and the one who saved me was Hanson. He’s the boss of Luke Corporation. You kids hacked into their internal network before, and I owe him a favor this time.”