Chapter 246: Rewards

As they pulled up to the familiar sight of Sharon's house, a lump formed in Sharon's throat. Stepping out of the car, she turned to her mother, their hands instinctively reaching out to clasp each other.

The front door swung open before they could reach it, revealing a bewildered Thomas standing on the threshold.

His gaze flitted between his mummy and the woman beside her who looked like Sharon's older twin, his brow furrowed in confusion.

The petite woman's face crinkled into a sunny smile when she saw her grandson.

"Mummy?" he asked. "Who is this?"

Mia, unable to contain her emotions any longer, dissolved into a fresh flow of tears.

"Thomas, my darling," she said through happy tears, pulling him into an embrace. "This is your Nana. I'm your grandma."

Then, his innate kindness kicked in. Unsure how to respond to this crying stranger, he hesitantly wrapped his arms around the weeping woman.

He patted Mia's back, offering her the comfort she so desperately craved. Sharon just smiled, averting her eyes to blink back her tears of joy.

Fannie, alerted by the commotion, emerged from the kitchen, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the unexpected visitor.

The living room quickly transformed into a haven of heartwarming explanations. Sharon, her heart overflowing with a joy she never thought possible, recounted the incredible story of finding her mother.

Mia, eager to reconnect Sharon with her long lost family, pulled out her phone. With a few taps and swipes, she initiated a video call, connecting with a web of faces scattered across the country.

There were excited shrieks, tearful gasps, and a chorus of voices welcoming Sharon back into their fold.

For Sharon, having her mother back was the greatest gift she could ever receive. No words could express the overwhelming thankfulness and completeness she felt.

Her little family was finally whole.

***

Sharon slipped away to her room, closing the door gently behind her. She was giddy with happiness at having her mother back, but there was still one person's arms she craved to be wrapped in.

Pulling out her phone, she tapped Adrian's contact with shaky fingers.

The phone rang once, twice, then his voice, smooth and familiar, washed over her.

"Sharon…" he answered. "Everything okay at your end? Is your mom settling in alright?"

"More than alright," Sharon said. "It's like a missing piece of my life has finally slotted into place."

"I'm glad you feel that way."

"Oh Adrian," she breathed, "Words can't describe it. Thank you, for finding her after all these years. How did you ever manage it?"

A soft chuckle rumbled through the receiver.

"It was that old photo tucked away in your locket. But I'll explain the full story later."

"That picture in my locket? But it's so blurry."

"Technology never ceases to amaze," Adrian chuckled.

"Adrian…" Sharon's voice took on a needy, plaintive tone that she knew he couldn't resist.

The sound of his sharp intake of breath was a familiar response.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I need you here with me. Please come…I want, no, I need to feel you close right now."

A beat of silence followed, Sharon could practically feel him weighing her words, the internal struggle evident in his quiet sigh.

He stood up from where he was seated, loosened his tie as he considered her heated invitation. But when he finally answered, his voice was taut with restrained desire.

"As tempting as that is, I really think you should cherish this time with your Mum."

"Of course," she said, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment he couldn't ignore, but also with an understanding he appreciated. "That makes sense. Absolutely."

She let out a loud sigh and persisted.

"But," she added quickly, not wanting to leave things hanging, "I do want to see you soon. There's so much… so much I want to talk to you about."

His voice softened.

"Me too, Sharon. More than you know. I have some very serious things to discuss with you as well."

A shiver danced down her spine. Serious things? The playful mood of the moment evaporated, replaced by a tense curiosity.

"How about a dinner date?" Adrian suggested.

"Okay. I'll be expecting your call. Thank you again. For everything. Finding Mum…I don't even know how to express what it means to me."

"You're welcome."

"I love you."

There was that pause again.

"I love you too."

The familiar words they had both spoken countless times before now carried an unexpected weight. With soft goodbyes, they concluded the conversation.

Gripping the phone tightly, Sharon pondered what Adrian possibly needed to discuss with her? Sharon knew that whatever it was, it had the potential to change everything.

Squaring her shoulders, Sharon shook her head firmly and pushed those nagging doubts aside.

Taking a steadying breath, she rejoined her mother with a brilliant smile plastered across her face.

***

Adrian punched in a number and cradled the phone against his ear. A satisfied smirk played on his lips as his fingers drummed impatiently on the desk as it rang.

"Hello?" A cheerful voice filled his ear.

"Selene, it's Adrian," he said. "I want to express my sincere gratitude. Your plan worked flawlessly."

A delighted giggle came through the receiver.

"You give me too much credit, Mr. Adrian. I'm just a girl helping a friend in need," she said. "I am simply happy to be of assistance in any way I could."

"A girl with a very sharp mind, I might add," Adrian said. He could practically see her blushing through the phone. "So, tell me, what's the next item on your wish list? Consider it a token of my appreciation."

There was a calculated silence, then a hesitant cough.

"Well, Mr. Adrian," Selene began, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "Penny and I have always dreamed of having a place of our own. A small house, maybe with a little garden…"

Adrian laughed delightedly, appreciating her unselfish priorities and sharp mind.

"A house, huh? Ambitious, I see. But I like it. Sharp mind, remember?"

Selene let out a nervous giggle.

"I…I suppose I was being a bit bold," she stammered.

"Bold is good, Selene," Adrian assured her. "Consider it done. A cozy house, somewhere quiet and safe, that's all yours."

Silence fell again, thicker this time. Finally, Selene's voice, choked with emotion, broke through.

"Mr. Adrian, you… you don't know what this means to us. Penny and I…"

"Don't worry about it," Adrian interrupted gently. "Just know that you deserve it. And speaking of Penny, how about we add an education sponsorship to the mix? Give her a chance to chase her dreams, whatever they may be."

A choked sob escaped Selene's lips.

"Oh, Mr. Adrian. You're an angel. Penny will be over the moon. She's such a bright girl, you wouldn't believe it. This will open so many doors for her."

Adrian smiled, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the success of his plan.

Seeing Selene happy, seeing Penny get a chance to flourish, brought him satisfaction money could never buy.

"Just consider it an investment in the future," he said lightly. "Now, how about you two start looking for that dream house? Send me the details when you find it, and we'll get the wheels rolling."

"Thank you, Mr. Adrian. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart," Selene said. "You've changed our lives."

"Think nothing of it," Adrian replied. "Just take care of yourselves, alright?"

"We will," Selene promised. "And Mr. Adrian?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for believing in us."

"You're welcome