Chapter 86
He maintained a calm smile, his gentle gaze landing on Seraphina. Seeing her there brought a hint of surprise and depth to his eyes
“Mr. Dickens” Seraphina greeted politely.
“Sera, it’s great to see you, Mason replied and then turned his attention to Shirley beside her, smiling slightly. “And this is…?”
“Mr. Dickens, this is my mom, Shirley Johnson, Seraphina said with a smile.
Jennifer added, “Dad. Shirley is the company’s finance director. Today is her birthday, and she’s also been recognized as one of the first outstanding employees of the company. It’s a double celebration.”
“Congratulations. Ms. Green.” Mason paused for a moment before extending his hand to Shirley.
Shirley kept her head down, seemingly not hearing him.
Seraphina, puzzled, gently nudged Shirley’s arm and softly called out, “Mom…”
Only then did Shirley look up, her eyes widening as she realized Mason was standing right in front of her, casting a shadow over her with his tall figure. He looked at her warmly, his hand still extended.
“Congratulations, Ms. Green, Mason said again. “Thank you for your contributions to the company. I hope you continue to
excel
Shirley remained silent.
Everyone’s eyes were on her. She was the only one to receive a handshake from Mason under the gaze of the crowd.
Shirley’s chest rose and fell slightly. After a moment of trembling fingers at her side, she straightened her back and reached out her hand, shaking Mason’s.
“You’re welcome, Mr. Dickens,” she said calmly.
They shook hands politely before withdrawing their hands.
Mason and Jennifer ascended to the stage, both exuding an extraordinary presence. Mason, in particular, radiated a quiet confidence that suggested he could handle anything. He embodied the authority of a chairman while also exuding the warmth of a mentor,
He began his speech. “Everyone here is an elite of the company, the backbone driving our growth and success. Thank you all for your contributions and hard work. The company will sail alongside you all toward a bright future.
“I’m grateful to have you and thankful that in this bustling Angoria, I can meet you. I’m very happy and appreciative. Now, let’s enjoy the meal and wish all the birthday celebrants a happy birthday.
After finishing, Mason clasped his hands together and bowed to everyone.
The crowd erupted in warm applause.
Seraphina clapped, but Shirley did not. She kept her eyes downeast, staring at one spot, lost in thought.
“Mom?” Seraphina gently nudged her.
Shirley snapped back to reality, and upon hearing the applause around her, she forced a smile and clapped her hands half- heartedly
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Chapter 86
Mason and Jennifer stepped down from the stage.
“Dad, sit here.” Jennifer gestured to a nearby seat.
“I won’t stay for the meal.” Mason hesitated. “Jeni, you made the right decision.”
“What do you mean?” Jennifer asked, confused.
“Deciding to open a branch in Angoria, Mason replied.
A faint smile tugged at Jennifer’s lips. She had come to Angoria to be closer to the one deep in her heart.
Tm leaving now. Make sure to connect with the employees, Mason said, patting Jennifer’s shoulder.
“Okay” Jennifer linked her arm with Mason’s. “Dad. I’ll walk you to your car.”
They walked toward the exit, passing by Seraphina and Shirley
Mason stopped in his tracks.
Seeing Mason pause, Seraphina stood up and smiled at him. “Mr. Dickens, are you leaving?”
Mason smiled, “Yes, I have some r matters to attend to. Sera, enjoy your meal.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Dickens, Seraphina said politely. She felt spontaneous affinity and admiration toward Mason.
Mason nodded, his gaze naturally shifting to Shirley.
“Goodbye, Ms. Green,” he said first.
Shirley stood up and gave Mason a slight nod. “Goodbye, Mr. Dickens.”
Mason said nothing more and turned to leave. He waved goodbye to the other employees.
The employees stood up to see him off. Take care, Mr. Dickens
Jennifer walked Mason out, and everyone gradually sat back down to continue their meal.
Seraphina resumed her meal, but after finishing a steak, she noticed Shirley’s steak only had one piece cut. Shirley was staring blankly at a spot on the table with a piece of steak still on her fork. She had been lost in thought several times.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Seraphina asked, reaching out to touch Shirley’s hand, but was surprised to find it cold, as if it had just come out of the freezer.
“Mom, your hands are so cold. What’s wrong? Seraphina asked anxiously in a low voice, “Are you feeling unwell?”
“I’m a bit uncomfortable,” Shirley admitted, putting down her fork and picking up her bag. “Let’s head home.” “Okay” Seraphina grabbed her bag as well.
Just then, Jennifer returned and saw them getting their bags. She paused for a moment. “Sera, what’s going on?” Seraphina replied, “Jeni, my mom suddenly feels a bit unwell, so I’m going to take her home to rest.”
“What happened?” Jennifer immediately asked with concern.
Shirley smiled lightly, T’m fine. Just a sudden stomach issue. I don’t have much of an appetite. I’m really sorry.”
“There’s no need to apologize, Jennifer instructed Seraphina, “Sera, just take good care of her. Ms. Green, if you’re still
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Chapter 86
feeling unwell tomorrow, please take a day off. It’s no problem.
Shirley nodded.
Jennifer escorted them out of the restaurant, wanting to see them back to their home personally, but Shirley politely
declined.
They got into a taxi, and throughout the ride, Shirley remained silent.
Seraphina held her hand the whole time, but she couldn’t warm it up.
Once home, Seraphina fetched some stomach medicine for Shirley. “Mom, take some medicine to see if it helps. If not, we’ll go to the hospital.
Shirley accepted the medicine, her tone weary. “Till rest for a bit. When Thomas gets back, come and call me.”
Seraphina nodded, “Okay”
Shirley gently closed the bedroom door.
Seraphina stood there, lost in thought for a moment. She wondered, ‘Does Mom really have a stomach issue?
The training schedule was tight, and Thomas took an evening flight back to Angoria, arriving home just before ten. Seraphina lay on the sofa, watching TV while waiting for him.
Where’s Mom?” Thomas asked.
“In her room. She had a stomach issue earlier and is resting. I’ll go get her, Seraphina said as she stood up.
She knocked on Shirley’s door. “Mom, Tommy is back.”
Shirley opened the door and looked at Thomas. “You’re back. Have you eaten?”
“I ate on the plane, Thomas replied, looking at Shirley with concern. “Mom, is your stomach feeling any better?”
