n

n

nAira has been more than thrilled to see Cassidy and Asher again after a long time.

nThe brilliance of the brunette's bright green eyes rival that of the scintillating sun as soon as they catch sight of the two of them. With an ear-splitting grin and a loud squeal, she then ecstatically rushes in their direction and spreads her arms wide for a bone-crushing embrace.

nCassidy is more than glad to welcome Aira in her arms. As she bends down a little and holds her, she gets to realize how much she has grown. She really is no longer a toddler just like the last time she has seen her - she is now a charming young lady in her early teens.

n

"I can't believe it! It really is big sister Cassie!

" Aira chirped blithely and hugged Cassidy tighter.

n

"Ummm... Excuse me, big bro is here too...

" Asher chimed in while pretending to pout in dismay, making the two giggle.

n

"Can I get a hug?

"

n

"Of course!

"

nWith a warm smile, Josephine only stands at the side and watches their fun-filled reunion in the narrow hallway of their humble abode. She can't help but see them like a small, happy family - one that she knows Cassidy has always been wishing. It's quite a shame that such a simple wish can never come true because of her ill-fated circumstances.

nStill, she believes that she has the determination to see this through - after all, much like her deceased grandfather, she is quite the tough one.

n

"Why don't we have dinner together tonight? Both of you can stay here as long as you want...

" Josephine offered after the three of them finished exchanging greetings.

n

"Also, Aira... What do you think about going with them back in the city? It's not really good for a youngster like you to be stuck here with me all the time. Besides, my grandchildren are already planning to take me soon.

"

nAt the drop of that news, they are struck stunned and speechless.

nYet going by how Josephine is smiling all knowingly, Asher gets to pick up the sign - she is doing this for Cassidy. As expected, she was more than delighted to take Aira with her. Then again, she has long been wanting to reunite with all of her siblings back at the orphanage.

n

"Of course, I would like to go with you, big sis. However...

" Aira trailed off with a timid smile, baffling them a little.

n

"I thought you already had a family? Would I not be a bother?

"

n

"Goodness, no! You're no bother at all! Besides, I don't have any child yet,

" Cassidy reassured her.

n

"But what about your hubby? Isn't he like... super rich and famous?

"

n

"Oh, don't sweat over the details! Just go with me, alright?

"

n

"Well, if you say so... Alrighty, then!

"

nAsher thinks that what Josephine wants to happen here is not really that bad. Everyone knows that Cassidy loves children. It might do her good to take some time to get some peace by being with those she grew up together with. Aside from that, it would also provide her enough distraction to forget about those she left behind -

nIncluding her husband.

n'Now that I think about it, I wonder what Shade is up to now...' Asher pondered in silence, recalling Adrian out of nowhere.

n'That damn Charlie won't stop bugging me at all. I agreed to give him my number and stay in contact after I was busted out sneaking in the hospital the other day. With that, I'm now obliged to tell him how Cassie's doing at the very least. I wouldn't agree were it not for his threat to drag me to old man Ray.'

nIn reality, he should have been with Charles and Ray in seeing through the investigation that they are currently conducting against Grisham and his accomplices.

nHe did promise to help them out way back before, but now that he had Cassidy, he did not see any need to. Besides, he already did his job of disclosing the identity of the mastermind behind the assassination. He also wanted to do things in his own way alongside his own allies.

n'It's Cassie's turn to be free now, Shade...' Asher thought with a hooded and unsmiling expression.

n'As for you, take your turn to clean up the mess that your family made.'

n---

n

"The President is coming back today!

"

nThe whole main headquarters of Millicent Inc. had been thrown into panic the moment that news spread - not only because it was dropped without any prior notice, but also because they had little time to prepare.

nIt had been a while since the head of their corporation was seen in public. Today, it was said that he would be going back to work after some time of staying missing in action. As soon as that was made known to all the employees at the main branch, they hurriedly took out that extra effort they would always put on show whenever their boss was present.

nEveryone who happens to be at the lobby when Adrian arrives is already in action before he even steps a foot in.

n

"Welcome, President Millicent.

"

nThey all line up and welcome him in the most respectful way possible - with their respective works pushed aside and their current activities discontinued. The receptionists stood up from their desk while the other members of the personnel halted on their tracks. They all greeted him as he and his secretary passed through them.

nCharles walks in alongside Adrian - both looking more than ready to start the day.

n

"How are things going, Charles? I know I've missed a lot at work...

" Adrian muttered with a barely audible tone.

n

"But what about that one?

"

n

"Yes, of course, everything is going as planned, President. With Sir Ray participating, your absence did not affect the operations that much...

" Charles answered discreetly, already getting what he was referring to.

n

"Good to hear. What about our latest plan? Are the preparations finished?

"

n

"By tomorrow night, everything will be set.

"

nAs they carry on with this stealthy conversation, the two of them eventually reach his office before they know it. However, they did not get to find it empty as they expected. This certain someone's unprecedented presence caught them off guard, but they immediately schooled their features and remained calm.

n

"Why, hello there, my dear grandson. Glad to see you finally fully recovered.

"

nStanding before them now is none other than the devil himself, Grisham.

n