Ch. 1296..1300
Chapter 1296
There were mostly common snacks that were arranged neatly in a certain pattern. The handmade candies were intricately constructed as well.
At home, his wife used to love making candy for the kids, but she got a lot busier after returning to the workforce. In addition to taking care of the three kids, she also had to look after Madam Carter, hence there was simply no time to make candy.
It was the little things that could warm one’s heart, especially how it was presented. He was not interested in snacks but would indulge in some whenever Sylvia put a box or a bowl by his side.
His eyes flickered and he instinctively picked a piece of dried berry.
Shermaine grinned widely when she saw Odell eat the snack she prepared.
Two days later, on a Sunday, Sylvia brought the kids out earlier in the morning and spent the whole day at a theme park. They only arrived home in the evening.
Sylvia carried Flint in her arms and sat in the rear seat with Isabel and Liam on the way back. Soon after they
boarded the car, Isabel fell asleep on Liam’s shoulder, and Liam was slumped on his mother’s shoulder.” Sylvia could only doze off for a few minutes since she was carrying Flint.
The boy clung her arms around his mother’s neck and stuck his cheek on her chest. His eyes were staring outside the window blankly, seemingly having a plethora of thoughts running through his mind. Sylvia stroked his face and asked softly, “Flint, what are you thinking about?”
Flint pouted and answered meekly, “I miss Daddy.”
Sylvia was surprised by the answer.
It was then that Liam woke up and looked up at her, followed by Isabel. Isabel grumbled, “Why are you missing that stupid Daddy? Come to me.”
The little girl snatched Flint from her mother’s arm and started playing with her little brother. The duo loved to play tickles as always, and the car was soon filled with Flint’s chuckles. The siblings got so carried away that they did not notice Flint’s leg was right in front of Liam’s face.
Liam pouted helplessly and clutched onto his brother’s ankle to stop him from moving. Things got rather cheerful and lively in the car.
Sylvia watched the kids play happily, but her chest tightened whenever she thought about Odell. It had been two days since Odell went on a business trip. Other than the text that she received that night when he arrived at Hemingway, she had never gotten a call from him. He must be ridiculously busy, and she started to wonder if he even ate or slept on time.
Awhile later, the car stopped outside the Carters’ residence.
Isabel held Flint’s hand and ran inside the house like horses released into the wild, calling Madam Carter and Aunt Tonya’s names cheerfully.
LL
When Sylvia and Liam entered the living room, they saw Flint babbling adorably in Madam Carter’s lap while Isabel was boasting her new toy that she won from the theme park to Aunt Tonya.
Madam Carter and Aunt Tonya were both amused. Sylvia smiled and brought Liam over to them. After some chit-chat, dinner was served.
The kids then went upstairs to their game room. The game room was spacious and built specifically for the three of them. Other than all kinds of toys, there were also new video games installed. Sylvia went to Madam Carter’s room to check on her
before she headed up to the game room to join the kids.
Liam, Isabel, and Flint sat in a line. Liam was meddling with a remote control toy while Isabel was teaching Flint to play some other games.
Chapter 1297 The three of them turned to Sylvia together when she came into the room.
11
“Mommy!” Flint was the first to bolt up with his tiny legs and wobble over to her.
Sylvia carried him and sat in between the other two.” Issy, Liam, hold on for a while. | want to call Daddy.”
Isabel and Liam put down their toys obediently. Flint looked up at her with his chubby face and glued his eyes to the phone she held.
It should already be after work hours in Hemingway, so Sylvia tried video-calling Odell.
As the dial tone sounded from the phone, Sylvia and the kids widened their eyes at the screen. A while later, just when the call was about to reach time off, the call got through.
The man’s handsome face appeared on the screen.
Sylvia smiled, but before she could say a word, Flint blurted in delight, “Daddy!” His sweet and adorable voice could easily melt hearts.
Odell smiled at his wife and kids. “Have you guys eaten?” Sylvia hummed a reply.
Isabel then said, “Stupid Daddy, we’ve eaten. How about you?”
Odell slightly pursed his lips. “I’ve eaten some.”
It was at this moment, knocks came from the door, followed by a female’s voice. “Sir, the documents you requested are here, and so is the dinner you ordered. Will you have it now or on the way back?”
1 Odell frowned. With an irritated tone, he said, “Go out first.”
Sylvia did not see the woman who spoke, but she heard the woman going out and closing the door. She furrowed her brows in silence, expressing her annoyance.
Isabel angrily said, “Hmph! Stupid Daddy, you said you've eaten!”
Odell regained his warm expression and said, “I haven't eaten dinner, but | had something to eat, so I’m okay.” Isabel raised her brow. “Really?” “Yeah. Really.”
Isabel's anger finally calmed down.
Flint suddenly asked, “What Daddy eat?”
Odell was obviously surprised by the boy’s question. He said, “Daddy ate some bread.” “Oh-oh-000...”
Odell then looked at Sylvia. “How're things at home?”
“Everything is fine,” she said. “We went to the theme park today. It was so fun!” Flint blurted once more.
Odell smiled. He then looked at Liam, “Liam, I’ve been busy lately, so help your mother out and take care of your sister and brother. Understand?”
Liam remained cool. “Understand.”
Isabel immediately said, “I am not a child anymore. | don’t need Liam to take care of me.”
Flint nodded in adherence. “Uhm uhm ulim... me too.”
Odell ignored them and threw his gaze at Sylvia again. “I still have something to do. I'll call you when | have time.”
Sylvia pursed her lips. “Okay. Take care.” She hung up the call immediately with the intention of not disturbing his work and dinner.
However, on Odell’s side, he was left hanging with the words ‘I will come back soon’ at the tip of his tongue. He frowned. ‘Is she mad?”
However, he had indeed been busy lately and had neglected her and the children. He already had plans on how to make it up to them once he finished his work.
Chapter 1298 A soft sigh later, he got up, tidied his collar, and walked out.
When he came out of the room, he saw Shermaine . She was waiting outside with the stack of documents, and when she saw him, she smiled. “Sir, here are the documents you requested. The dinner we’ve pre-ordered is ready downstairs. Are you having it here, or on the way back?”
Her smile rivaled that of a sunflower and even resembled Sylvia’s. He unconsciously spared her an extra glance. “I'll have it on the way back.”
He headed out after that.
Shermaine swiftly followed him with the stack of documents, and her eyes glittered for a moment. A few days went by in the blink of an eye.
It was a Friday, which should be the day of Odell’s return. After the class at the academy in the morning, Sylvia pulled out her phone but hesitated whether to call him or not.
The last time they talked was the video call with the kids, and there had been zero communication between them since then.
He was so busy back then that he almost missed dinner to answer her call, so he must still be extremely busy, or else he would not have gone missing without a call, or at least a text, for a few days.
A quick thought later, she decided to go have a look at his office.
Twenty minutes on the road later, she arrived at Carter Tower. Sylvia got inside without any problem.
There was only one receptionist at the front desk, and the girl recognized her. Sylvia asked with a smile, “Is Odell back?” “Master Carter came back around two hours ago,” the receptionist answered.
“Great.”
She got into the elevator and pressed the button.
Ding!
“The elevator door opened on the highest floor.
Sylvia walked out and headed to Odell’s office.
As she approached the office, Shermaine , who had been working behind her desk for a while, looked up. Sylvia's arrival surprised her. She got up immediately and flashed a welcoming smile. “Mrs. Carter, are you here for Master Carter?”
Sylvia was also taken aback by Shermaine’s presence.“ Shermaine? What are you doing here?” She was just wondering why was there only one receptionist at the front desk today. With her smile intact, Shermaine replied, “Secretary Ackerman is away for a while due to family affairs, so Assistant Bogard told me to fill in for him temporarily.” Sylvia raised a brow. “So, you're Odell’s secretary now?” “Yeah. | guess I’m his temporary secretary,” she explained with a plain smile.
Sylvia recalled that when Odell was away for the business trip, she had heard a female voice at his end twice. Now, she finally put a face to the voice. Seeing the same hairstyle and similar makeup on Shermaine somehow disturbed her, but maybe because it had been a while since she saw or communicated with Odell. Her gaze shifted, but she did not say anything. She continued forward to Odell’s office. “It was then that Shermaine called out to her, “Madam,
I'm afraid you can’t go in right now.” Sylvia looked at her. “Why not?” With a serious expression, Shermaine explained, “Master EL
Carter is having a business proposal meeting with the heads of the business development team, followed by a series of other things he has to work on. He might not have time for you.”
The words fueled Sylvia's annoyance. It was not the first time Odell was busy, but whenever she visited, Secretary Ackerman would always let her in and had never stopped her before. Maybe Shermaine was new and felt like she had to uphold the rules tightly.
Sylvia sighed. “I'll just go have a peek at him. | won't disturb him.” 2
Shermaine wore a troubled look but was able to keep her smile intact. “But Master Carter and the heads are having an important meeting. You might interrupt the flow of the meeting if you go in now.”
Chapter 1299 Sylvia‘s patience wore thin. She wanted nothing but a peek, even if it was just through a wall or a door.
Besides, whenever he had a meeting in the past, even if he was scolding a subordinate , she had walked in before and had never disturbed him once. She was not an idiot and knew he was busy. Why would she go in and disturb him on purpose?
Sylvia ignored Shermaine and strode forward. “Mrs. Carter, you really mustn't go in!” Shermaine rushed forward and stood right in front of Sylvia. Sylvia frowned. She tried to maintain her last bit of civility and said, “Move.”
Shermaine was put in a difficult situation. “You really mustn't go in. Master Carter really does not like it when his meetings are interrupted.”
Sylvia said coldly, “I've been with him so many years. Do you think you understand him more than me?” — Shermaine was stunned.
Sylvia refused to argue with the girl anymore. She walked around her and wanted to push on the door. Shermaine persistently stepped up again, but she got in
the way when Sylvia tried to push the door open. As a consequence, Sylvia failed to react in time and accidentally shoved her against the door.
Thud. Shermaine fell on the door and then crashed into the wall as the door opened.
The men who were discussing work-related matters on the couch further away turned around to the door when they heard the sudden commotion.
SULLLLL
The man‘s dark and sharp brows furrowed. The others from the business development team were also startled and baffled because they were just at the most crucial part of the discussion. Sylvia saw the man’s irritated and gloomy glare. She paused on the spot and frowned too.
Finally, Shermaine regained her balance. She lowered her head and bowed nervously. “I'm sorry, Master Carter. Mrs. Carter is here to see you, and | tried holding her back
LLLLLLLL
Immediately, Sylvia's gaze at the girl went cold. Odell pursed his lips. The irritation on his face faded as he said to Shermaine, “Leave us.”
Shermaine nodded and returned to her station.
Odell then looked at Sylvia. He looked a lot better than a
few seconds ago, but Sylvia could tell he was still annoyed by the interruption.
For some reason, it irritated her further. She said, “I’m just here to see you, and she had to get in my way, so | accidentally pushed her against the door.
“Well, gentlemen, excuse me.” Sylvia then turned around and left.
Before Odell could say anything, she disappeared from his sight. With a frown, he grabbed his phone and texted her, “Wait for me downstairs. I'll come down when I'm done.”
Then, he turned to his men and said, “Proceed.”
The meeting continued.
Sylvia strode to the elevator , but Shermaine caught up with her.
“I'm sorry, Mrs. Carter. | didn't mean what happened. Master Carter is really in a meeting as you could see.”
Sylvia looked at her. The girl's brows were furrowed, and the apologetic expression on her face seemed sincere, yet the more Sylvia looked at her, the more irritated she got.
Carter Corporation had so many employees, yet Odell had to get her to replace Secretary Ackerman while he was away. Why the young girl from the front desk? Was it because she looked and dressed similar to her but was younger?
The elevator soon arrived. Sylvia suppressed her irritation and walked into it.
When the door closed, Shermaine‘s apologetic face was replaced by an evil grin. She did not even do anything, and things had started to tip in her favor. It made her delighted.
Chapter 1300 After coming out of the building, Sylvia got a ride home.
On the way back, her phone suddenly rang. It was Odell. She hesitated for several seconds before picking it up. The man‘s voice on the other end sounded a little heavy.” Where are you?”
“I'm on the way back. What's wrong?”
“Why didn't you wait for me?” His gruff voice was a sign that he was unhappy.
Sylvia was annoyed by his tone too. “Why should | wait for you? You're busy, aren‘t you?”
When Shermaine had knocked the door open, the man had obviously been unhappy, so why would she choose to be stupid enough to stay back?
Hearing her tone, Odell assumed that she was mad because he did not talk to her earlier. He frowned and explained in a small voice, “I was really busy. | didn't mean to ignore you.”
Sylvia‘s brows eased, but the irritation in her chest remained.
“| said you were busy. | didn’t say you ignored me.” Her tone remained unhappy.
Odell stroked his forehead. “I might not be coming home tonight. Don't wait for me for dinner.”
“Yeah, | got it.” Sylvia then hung up the phone. It was then she realized she had an unread text. She tapped on it and her brows furrowed. It explained why he had called her and asked her why she did not wait for him.
She must have received the text when she walked out of the office, but Shermaine had held her up and made her forget to look at her phone.
Since they already spoke on the phone, any further explanation became unnecessary, so she simply put her phone away.
Back in the lobby of Carter Tower, Odell stared at the blank screen of his phone. He furrowed his brows and then pocketed his phone.
He turned around to Shermaine and said, “Are the documents ready?” Shermaine replied with a smile, “Yes, sir.” “Call Cliff. We're heading out.”
“Yes. sir. But, sir...” Shermaine paused for a moment before continuing, “Mrs. Carter seemed upset when she left. There’s still half an hour before the next meeting. Do
you want to call her to explain things?” 1
He wanted to, but she refused to listen, so he planned to settle the matter after his work. “No need. We'll head to the venue directly.” He then walked towards the parking lot. Shermaine immediately followed him.
Sylvia returned home during lunch and saw Madam Carter and Aunt Tonya feeding Flint.
Flint obediently guzzled everything they fed him. He widened his smile when he saw his mother and said,“ Mommy!” The adorable voice soothed the irritation in her chest. She went over with a sweet smile and carried the boy into her arms.
“Grandma, Aunt Tonya, you guys eat. I'll take care of Flint.” She sat down and took over from the two elderly ladies. Flint ate another spoon of rice and then said, “Mommy, is Daddy home?”
Sylvia looked slightly disheartened. “Not yet. He’s still busy, so maybe in a day or two.”
Her words left the little boy disheartened as well. “Oh...”
Sylvia stroked his puffy cheek and said, “I'll bring you out later, and we can go pick up Liam and Issy. Then, we'll go shopping. How about that?”
Next Chapter
Chapter 1300 After coming out of the building, Sylvia got a ride home.
On the way back, her phone suddenly rang. It was Odell. She hesitated for several seconds before picking it up. The man‘s voice on the other end sounded a little heavy.” Where are you?”
“I'm on the way back. What's wrong?”
“Why didn't you wait for me?” His gruff voice was a sign that he was unhappy.
Sylvia was annoyed by his tone too. “Why should | wait for you? You're busy, aren't you?”
When Shermaine had knocked the door open, the man had obviously been unhappy, so why would she choose to be stupid enough to stay back?
Hearing her tone, Odell assumed that she was mad because he did not talk to her earlier. He frowned and explained in a small voice, “I was really busy. | didn't mean to ignore you.”
Sylvia‘s brows eased, but the irritation in her chest remained. “| said you were busy. | didn’t say you ignored me.” Her tone remained unhappy. Odell stroked his forehead. “I might not be coming home tonight. Don't wait for me for dinner.”
“Yeah, | got it.” Sylvia then hung up the phone. It was then she realized she had an unread text. She tapped on it and her brows furrowed. It explained why he had called her and asked her why she did not wait for him.
She must have received the text when she walked out of the office, but Shermaine had held her up and made her forget to look at her phone.
Since they already spoke on the phone, any further explanation became unnecessary, so she simply put her phone away.
Back in the lobby of Carter Tower, Odell stared at the blank screen of his phone. He furrowed his brows and then pocketed his. phone.
He turned around to Shermaine and said, “Are the documents ready?” Shermaine replied with a smile, “Yes, sir.” “Call Cliff. We're heading out.”
“Yes. sir. But, sir...” Shermaine paused for a moment before continuing, “Mrs. Carter seemed upset when she left. There's still half an hour before the next meeting. Do
you want to call her to explain things?” 1 He wanted to, but she refused to listen, so he planned to settle the matter after his work.
“No need. We'll head to the venue directly.” He then walked towards the parking lot.
Shermaine immediately followed him. Sylvia returned home during lunch and saw Madam Carter and Aunt Tonya feeding Flint.
Flint obediently guzzled everything they fed him. He widened his smile when he saw his mother and said,“ Mommy!” The adorable voice soothed the irritation in her chest. She went over with a sweet smile and carried the boy into her arms.
“Grandma, Aunt Tonya, you guys eat. I'll take care of Flint.” She sat down and took over from the two elderly ladies. Flint ate another spoon of rice and then said, “Mommy, is Daddy home?”
Sylvia looked slightly disheartened. “Not yet. He’s still busy, so maybe in a day or two.”
Her words left the little boy disheartened as well. “Oh...”
Sylvia stroked his puffy cheek and said, “I'll bring you out later, and we can go pick up Liam and Issy. Then, we'll go shopping. How about that?