Chapter 135
I woke up and realized it was almost noon.
I rubbed my temples, sitting up in the large, empty bed. Sleeping with Adam was making me lazy. My discipline was unraveling.
I checked my phone. There was a message from Adam.
Baby, I ordered breakfast for you. Remember to eat. Amy came to the office with me, so her lessons are cancelled today.
I put the phone down and went to the bathroom to wash up.
After eating a late brunch, I changed clothes and went to work on the sunroom. It was coming together, but there was an empty space near the window. I wanted to put a table and two chairs there. It would be a good spot to drink tea and look at the flowers.
I browsed online for a while but didn't see anything I liked. I grabbed my keys and drove to a furniture market in the Seaport.
I found a set I liked and arranged for delivery. I had just gotten back home when Adam called.
"Do you want to come to the office?" he asked.
"No," I said, looking at the empty spot in the sunroom. "I’m staying home."
"Come over," he coaxed. his voice low. "Wait for me to get off work. We can go out for dinner together. Amy wants to have dinner with Mom and Dad."
I could imagine Amy’s hopeful face. I pursed my lips.
"Fine," I stood up. "I'll head over in a bit."
"Baby," Adam said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. "I'm waiting."
I drove to the Sterling Global headquarters in the Financial District. I parked my car in the surface lot.
A security guard jogged over immediately. "Ms. Bennett, Mr. Sterling asked you to go straight up."
I nodded and got out of the car, following him toward the entrance.
As soon as we walked into the lobby, I saw Katherine.
She was arguing with another security guard near the front desk. "I am your CEO's mother! Why are you blocking me?"
The guard remained impassive. "Mr. Sterling gave instructions. You cannot go up."
"Then I want to see the Chairman," Katherine snapped. "I want to see Robert."
"Chairman Sterling also gave instructions," the guard replied. "You cannot go up, ma'am."
"That's impossible!" Katherine shrieked.
"It is the truth. Please don't make this difficult for us."
Katherine’s face was twisted in anger. She looked ready to scream, but she knew she couldn't make a scene in a place like this. She turned around with a dark expression and saw me.
Her eyes widened, then narrowed with hate.
I didn't plan to greet her. I shifted my gaze and walked past her, heading straight for Adam's private elevator.
The security guard swiped his card and pressed the button for the 26th floor. The doors slid shut, cutting off Katherine’s furious stare.
The elevator opened, and a small figure launched herself at me.
"Mama!"
I caught Amy and rubbed her head. "Did you have fun today?"
"Yes! I saw lots of robots," Amy said excitedly. "They were dancing!"
She chattered on about the interesting things she had seen in the office. I listened with a smile.
"Where is Daddy?" I asked. "Is he done working?"
"He is still talking to Uncle James," Amy pointed to the office door.
Mr. Young walked out a moment later. He bowed respectfully. "Ms. Bennett. Mr. Sterling asked you to come in."
"I can wait out here," I said.
Mr. Young shook his head slightly. "Mr. Sterling misses you too much. You should go in."
I took Amy’s hand and walked into the office.
Adam looked up immediately. His eyes locked onto mine, burning with intensity.
James paused his report.
I cleared my throat. "You guys continue. Don't mind us."
I pulled Amy over to the sofa. We sat down quietly.
James sped up his report. Less than ten minutes later, he finished and left the room.
Adam closed his laptop immediately. He stood up and walked over to us. "Let's go."
I picked up my bag and stood up, holding Amy’s hand. We walked toward the door.
Adam frowned. He walked faster, catching up to us. He took my bag from my shoulder and grabbed my free hand, interlacing his fingers with mine.
The elevator dinged at the lobby level. The doors opened.
We stepped out and stopped dead.
"It's Grandpa!" Amy shouted.
Robert was standing near the exit. Katherine was shoving a shopping bag into his arms.
"I went shopping and bought you a tie," Katherine said. "It's the color you like."
Robert pushed the bag back. "No need. I can buy my own ties."
Katherine shoved it back into his chest. "Take it. It’s a token of my affection, Robert."
Robert pushed it back again, harder this time. "I don't need it. Katherine, can you stop bothering me?"
"Robert, I’m divorced," she said, her voice desperate.
"What does that have to do with me?"
"I am currently single."
Robert stared at her, speechless.
"You are single too," Katherine continued. "I know you still have me in your heart. Otherwise, you wouldn't have stayed unmarried all these years."
Robert looked like he had swallowed a fly.
"I still have feelings for you," she said. "Now that we are both single, Robert, let's remarry."
She stepped closer. "I know you’ve been waiting for me. I’m back now..."
"Katherine," Robert interrupted, his expression darkening. "Who told you I stayed single for you? Get over yourself. You have vastly overestimated your importance. I didn't wait. I stayed single because I wanted to."
"I don't believe you," Katherine shook her head, smiling pitifully. "Stop being so stubborn. There's no shame in admitting you waited. Besides, I intend to marry you again."
Robert looked at her with pure disbelief. "You need to get your head checked. Clearly, living abroad has rotted your brain."
"Robert..."
"Go away. Stop embarrassing yourself here." Robert turned his head and finally saw us.
Robert’s face turned bright red. "Where are you three going?"
I recovered first. "We are going to eat."
Amy ran over and grabbed Robert’s hand. "Grandpa, do you want to come with us?"
Robert smiled kindly at her. "I won't go. I have to go home and eat with your Great-Grandmother. If she eats alone, she throws a temper tantrum."
Katherine stood there, looking awkward. She saw Adam.
"Adam..." she whispered.
Adam turned his head away. He refused to look at her or speak to her.
Katherine looked hurt. She clutched the bag tightly and turned around, walking out of the Sterling Global building.
Robert let out a long sigh of relief. He looked at Adam, embarrassed. "Adam, I..."
Adam cut him off. "You really didn't remarry because you were waiting for her?"
"Of course not!" Robert said instantly. "I just thought living alone was fine. I was busy with work. I didn't have time to think about it."
Adam looked at him. "Will you remarry her?"
"Absolutely not!" Robert said.
Adam nodded, grabbed my hand, and pulled me and Amy toward the door.