Chapter 291

Chapter 291

Howard dropped Katherine off at Michael's building and left immediately with Barry for the hospital.

"How are you two adjusting to school?" Katherine asked as they walked inside.

Edward answered eagerly, "Flora and I understand everything the teachers say, and playing with other kids is fun, but when we have really complex questions, nobody gets what we're talking about." 

Flora nodded in agreement.

Katherine had anticipated this situation. Their intelligence operated on a completely different level from their peers—some of those complex questions even stumped her, let alone seventh-graders. 

They had entered middle school at an elementary school age, which was already a huge academic leap. If they had gone any further, they might have had to start taking high school or even college courses early, or consider other, more advanced educational options.

"I know you're both brilliant, but school is a community everyone must learn to navigate. Once you've completed the required years, we'll move you up immediately," Katherine reassured them.

Both children nodded understanding. 

"Mommy, I think you misunderstood—I was just describing reality, not complaining. Flora and I are adapting perfectly fine. We'd never want to cause you trouble," Edward clarified.

Katherine smiled with relief. 

Michael had been juggling his own work while watching Edward and Flora during the day, which inevitably delayed his projects.

As Katherine entered with the children, Michael emerged from his study briefly. A shadowy figure suddenly darted out from around the corner, then quickly retreated, startling Katherine completely.

"Michael, what are you doing lurking around like some phantom?" she called out.

His voice drifted from the study, clearly indicating he was swamped with work. "Just checking if you brought any men home—this place has a strict no-overnight-male-guests policy!"

Katherine rolled her eyes and ushered the children toward their evening routine. These two had no homework since they'd already completed everything the teacher assigned, and anything that couldn't be done in advance, they finished during recess.

Katherine felt a pang of reflection. If she'd been this dedicated in her youth instead of being blinded by romance, her life might have been considerably easier now.

When Edward and Flora settled in for their bedtime story, they video-called Barry. After all three children had drifted off to sleep, Katherine crept forward to end the call, only to find Howard's face filling the screen.

"Don't you have something to say to me?" he asked coldly.

Katherine genuinely racked her brain but came up empty. 

"I should probably, maybe have forgotten something? If you remember what it is, why don't you remind me?" She stuck out her tongue apologetically.

Howard sighed. "Say goodnight."

This wasn't typical Howard behavior. 

Katherine frowned. "Have you always had this habit? I never noticed before—or maybe you just didn't like saying it to me?"

Howard on the other end stared motionlessly at the screen, chin propped on his hand, waiting for Katherine to speak. They remained in this standoff for five minutes until Katherine's patience finally cracked. The day's intense work combined with the evening's sudden relaxation had her eyelids fighting a losing battle.

"Fine, fine. Goodnight."

"Title," Howard didn't hang up.

Katherine blurted out, "Mr. Martinez, goodnight." Then she quickly ended the video call, fled to another room, tossed her phone aside, and collapsed into bed.

In the hospital's family room, Howard watched the screen jump to the chat interface and pressed the sleep button. Catching his reflection in the dark screen, he discovered his mouth had curved into a smile. He manually pulled down the corners of his lips, checked on Barry one more time, then finally went to sleep.

That night, Katherine slept more peacefully than she had in ages. All crises had been resolved, the children were adapting well to school life, and the future looked promising. Days without worry simply meant deeper sleep.

Online reviews for Katherine's shop remained unanimously positive. After ensuring Edward and Flora had breakfast, she headed to work.

Hannah stood at the shop entrance again, just like that first day, perpetually dressed in crisp suits—different styles and colors each day, but always impeccable.

"Ms. Zimmermann, did you need something?" Katherine paused with her keys.

Hannah never wasted words. She extracted a specific document from her folder. "Mr. Martinez mentioned relocating you to a larger ground-floor space to accommodate queues better. I've secured special approval from Ms. Brown to establish rotating local specialty food stalls in the main lobby. Tell me your requirements, and I'll include them in my report."

Katherine hadn't expected Stella to relent so quickly, or so generously. "Thank you for your help."

Hannah looked genuinely puzzled. "This is my job. Anything beneficial to the Wilson Corporation gets my full attention."

"Did you work for my father previously?" Katherine asked while reviewing the arrangement notice.

The question caught Hannah off guard. When Stella assumed company management, she'd replaced the entire staff. Katherine hadn't witnessed it personally, but she understood someone with Stella's personality wouldn't tolerate potential threats to her authority. This was merely casual curiosity.

Hannah regarded Katherine with rare surprise—the most pronounced expression she'd ever displayed. 

"Is it that obvious?" She gestured to herself. "I thought I'd prepared thoroughly. I maintain this demeanor everywhere."

Katherine smiled and signed the report. "Just a random question. Your professional style is memorable, and I doubted Stella could cultivate such standards. I'll get to work now."

She unlocked the shop door, then called the security guard from that day. Soon he arrived with several colleagues.

"Ms. Wilson, the alterations you made were incredible! I couldn't wait for my wife's birthday—she discovered them the moment I got home. These guys' wives want to browse too. When might you have time?"

Katherine surveyed the shop's fixtures and displays. "You help me, and I'll naturally compensate you. How about free selections with custom alterations according to your wives' preferences?"

"Guys, let's get to work!" the guard's booming voice echoed through the mall.