Chapter 71 71

Chapter 71 71
The morning sunlight peeked from behind the master bedroom curtains, spreading a thin warmth over the silk sheets. Raymond was already standing in front of the large mirror, adjusting the stiff collar of his blue shirt. Clara watched her husband from the bed, pulling the duvet up to her chest.

"Ray," Clara called out softly, her voice still raspy from sleep.

Raymond turned, a warm smile instantly appearing on the face that was usually cold while leading Craig Corporation. "You’re awake, darling? I’m sorry if I woke you."

"No, I wanted to wake up early anyway," Clara said, rising, pushing aside the covers, and walking toward Raymond. She reached for a gray silk tie from the nightstand and deftly looped it around her husband’s neck. "I want to go with you to the airport."

Raymond’s hands, which had been adjusting his watch, paused for a moment. He looked at Clara with raised eyebrows, surprised yet pleased. "To the airport? But it’s still very early, Clara. The air outside is freezing. Besides, you could continue sleeping comfortably here."

"I want to see you off to the plane, Ray," Clara looked up, meeting her husband’s gray eyes with a playful sparkle that was impossible to resist. "Why? Do you mind if I come along?"

Raymond chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around Clara’s slender waist and pulling her body flush against his broad chest. "Mind? Of course not. I would actually be very happy to have you by my side until the very last second before I leave. It’s just that I don’t want you to be exhausted."

"I won't be exhausted just from sitting in a car, my husband," Clara replied, smiling sweetly as she playfully patted Raymond’s shoulder.

However, deep in her heart, there was another reason she hadn't voiced openly. The curiosity that had been planted since their conversation last night still pulsed quietly in her mind. She wanted to see with her own eyes the figure of Madeline, the new secretary who would be accompanying her husband on his business trip for the next few days in Germany. It wasn't because she didn't trust Raymond’s loyalty, but rather the natural instinct of a wife who wanted to know with whom her husband spent his working hours.

The journey to the Craig Corporation’s private airport on the outskirts of New York was quiet. The luxurious white Maybach glided smoothly through streets that were still free of city traffic. In the backseat, Raymond kept a firm grip on Clara’s hand, occasionally rubbing the back of it with his thumb to provide warmth amidst the biting winter air.

"You seem a bit lost in thought this morning, darling. Is something bothering you?" Raymond asked, looking at Clara’s face, which had been staring straight ahead through the window.

Clara turned quickly, then gave her best smile so her husband wouldn't be suspicious. "Nothing, Ray. I’m just enjoying the morning view. New York always looks calmer when everyone hasn't started their busy day yet."

"If you feel anxious about this trip, tell me," Raymond whispered softly, kissing Clara’s temple attentively.

"I’m not anxious, Ray. Really. I just want to make sure you leave safely," Clara lied slightly, even though, in her heart, she began to imagine what her husband’s new secretary looked like.

As soon as the car stopped at the private runway area, Clara could see the luxurious private jet with the bold Craig Corporation logo standing ready for takeoff. Several bodyguards, including Nick, stood at attention around the plane’s stairs. Joel and Evan appeared to be talking seriously near the luggage while checking some items.

However, Clara’s attention was immediately drawn to the young woman standing not far from Joel. The woman was wearing a black blazer suit that fit her body perfectly, matching trousers, and her brown hair was tied neatly in a simple yet elegant ponytail. In her hands, she held a tablet and several folders of important documents.

That must be Madeline, Clara thought to herself.

Raymond stepped out of the car first, then turned to help Clara out with a very protective gesture. As soon as Clara’s feet touched the cold asphalt, Madeline immediately noticed their presence and turned. The woman’s expression looked very calm and professional as she walked toward the couple.

"Good morning, Mr. Craig. Good morning, Mrs. Craig," Madeline greeted with a voice that was steady, clear, and respectful. She bowed her head slightly as a sign of deep courtesy to her boss and the billionaire’s wife.

Clara observed Madeline’s face up close. The woman was indeed quite beautiful and attractive, possessing sharp facial features that still radiated a feminine softness. Her makeup was very light and natural, perfect for a stiff professional work environment. There was no impression of excess, no flashy makeup that women usually used to seek the attention of wealthy men. Everything about Madeline radiated politeness and high work efficiency.

"Good morning, Madeline. Are all the documents for the summit in Frankfurt ready?" Raymond asked in his cold, emotionless business tone, a stark contrast to how he had spoken to Clara in the car earlier.

"Everything is ready, sir," Madeline deftly opened her tablet and showed the travel schedule details and the order of meetings that had been neatly arranged. "I have also divided the presentation documents into three main sections as you requested last night. The legal team in Germany has confirmed that they will be waiting at the airport when we land."

Clara listened to every word that came out of Madeline’s mouth. The way the woman spoke was so measured, without any awkwardness or unnecessary intimacy in front of Raymond. She treated Raymond purely as a superior whom she highly respected.

After seeing Madeline’s manners and intelligence in managing Raymond’s travel affairs, Clara could finally breathe a sigh of relief. All the small doubts that had haunted her now evaporated completely without a trace. Madeline was indeed a beautiful and attractive woman, but she was also a true professional who knew exactly where she stood.

Clara stepped forward, giving a warm, sincere smile to the woman. "It’s nice to meet you, Madeline. Thank you for helping to prepare all of Raymond’s travel arrangements so well."

Madeline looked slightly surprised by the warmth shown by her boss’s wife, but she immediately returned the smile with a very friendly attitude. "It is my duty, Mrs. Craig. Jenifer has taught me a lot about Mr. Craig’s work habits, and I will ensure that all meeting schedules run perfectly."

Clara nodded with satisfaction. "I’m glad to hear that."

Raymond looked at his wife, then turned to Madeline. "Good. Madeline, take those documents into the cabin first. I will follow inside the plane in a few minutes."

"Very well, sir. Excuse me, Mrs. Craig," Madeline bowed respectfully once more before turning and climbing the plane stairs with steps that were graceful yet firm.

After Madeline entered the plane, Raymond immediately pulled Clara’s waist closer, looking at his wife with a teasing smile he rarely showed in front of his employees. "So... what is your assessment of my new secretary, Clara?"

Clara pinched Raymond’s arm lightly, even though her cheeks were now blushing pink from her husband’s teasing. "She is very smart, polite, and quite beautiful. You are lucky to have found a replacement for Jenifer who is her equal."

"I don't care how beautiful she is, Clara," Raymond whispered, his voice suddenly turning very deep and full of pure passion. He cupped Clara’s face with both hands, ignoring the stares of the bodyguards standing around them. "The only woman capable of making a Raymond Craig kneel helplessly is the woman I am holding right now."

Clara smiled affectionately, standing on her tiptoes and wrapping her arms around Raymond’s sturdy neck. "Come home quickly, Ray. The children and I will miss you very much."

"I will come home as soon as all this business is finished," Raymond murmured before leaning down and kissing Clara’s lips very deeply before he boarded the plane.

The kiss felt warm and full of deep longing, a promise of loyalty that Raymond showed openly in front of his entire team. Clara returned the kiss with affection, enjoying the warmth of her husband’s body for the last time before they were separated by distance for a few days. After their lips parted slowly, Raymond gave a soft kiss on Clara’s forehead before stepping up the plane stairs.

Clara stood beside the car, waving her hand as the luxurious private jet slowly began to move away from the private runway and took off, cutting through the cold New York morning sky.

After Raymond’s plane disappeared behind the clouds, Clara took a long breath with a much lighter feeling. A complete sense of relief now filled her chest. She got back into the Maybach sedan and asked the driver to take her home to the mansion first to change into work clothes before she went to her shop, The Petal Haven.

However, in the middle of the ride home, Clara glanced at her watch and realized that today was Friday, which meant the elite elementary school where Alexander studied would be dismissing students early for the weekend.

"We are going to Alexander’s school first to pick him up," Clara ordered her driver.

"Very well, ma'am," the driver replied obediently.

The car turned toward the elite residential area where the best private elementary school in New York was located. Once they arrived in front of the school gate, the atmosphere was already crowded with rows of luxury cars belonging to socialites who were also waiting for their children to come home.

Clara got out of the car, standing near the pickup area gracefully. The cold winter air made her cheeks slightly flushed, but a friendly smile still adorned her beautiful face. While she was waiting, a blonde woman in very fashionable clothing carrying a luxury handbag walked toward her with a wide smile.

"Excuse me, are you Alexander Craig’s mother?" the woman asked in a very friendly and enthusiastic tone.

Clara turned, slightly surprised but immediately returned the greeting politely. "Yes, that’s right. I’m Clara Craig. And you are?"

"Oh my goodness, I finally get to meet you in person!" the woman shook Clara’s hand warmly. "I’m Diana. I’m Sarah’s mother. Sarah always talks about Alexander every day when she gets home from school, to the point where I feel like I already know your son myself."

Clara laughed softly at the honesty of the woman in front of her. "Nice to meet you, Diana. Oh, so Sarah is your daughter? Alexander also mentioned a sweet girl named Sarah in his class."

Diana laughed crisply, pulling her coat tighter against the cold wind. "Yes, Sarah is a beautiful girl who really likes Alexander. You know, Clara? Sarah is the type of child who is very picky about friends, but since the first day Alexander entered this school, she immediately declared that Alexander was her dream prince. She even insisted on making chocolate biscuits just to give to Alexander."

"Really? That is so sweet of Sarah," Clara said, her heart feeling warm hearing the children’s innocence.

"But your son... oh my, he really is very much like his father, isn't he?" Diana nudged Clara’s shoulder with a playful, friendly gesture. "Very calm, cold, and indifferent. Sarah said Alexander just stared at her biscuits without expression and then walked away to the school library. But strangely, that actually made my daughter like him even more and follow him every day."

Clara couldn't hold back her laughter hearing Diana’s story. She knew very well that Alexander’s nature was a pure copy of the rigid and perfectionist Raymond. "I apologize for Alexander’s stiff attitude, Diana. His father does raise him a bit strictly so he is always focused on his studies, so sometimes he seems less sensitive to his surroundings."

"Oh, there is absolutely no need to apologize, Clara! It’s precisely Alexander’s calm and mysterious nature that makes him look so extraordinary among the other children. He has a very strong aura of leadership like Mr. Craig," Diana praised sincerely. "I really hope we can schedule a playdate for them both this weekend. What do you think?"

"Of course, I would be very happy if Alexander could have a playmate at home. We can arrange it the day after tomorrow," Clara answered happily. She felt very grateful to have found a new friend who was as sincere and fun as Diana in a school environment that was usually filled with the social competition of elite mothers.

The school bell finally rang loudly, signaling that the school day was over. The main gate opened, and dozens of children in neat uniforms ran out with cheerful faces welcoming the weekend.

"Sarah! Over here, honey!" Diana called out while waving her hand.

A beautiful little girl with blonde pigtails immediately ran toward her mother happily. Behind her, with calm, steady, and upright footsteps, Alexander walked while carrying his neat blue backpack. As soon as Alexander’s sharp eyes caught sight of Clara, his cold face instantly melted and turned into a wide, adorable smile.

"Mommy!" Alexander exclaimed, running toward his mother’s warm embrace.

Clara crouched down, welcoming her son’s small body into her tight hug and kissing both of Alexander’s cheeks affectionately. "How was your day at school today, champ?"

"Very fun, Mom. I got a perfect score again for my math assignment today," Alexander answered with a tone of pride that was very similar to how Raymond showed off his company’s financial reports.

"Mommy’s boy is the best," Clara praised proudly, fixing Alexander’s slightly messy brown hair.

Sarah, who was standing next to her mother, seemed to stare at Alexander with shy, blushing cheeks. "Hello, Alexander. See you on Monday."

Alexander turned, looking at the little girl in front of him with his signature calm expression before giving a small, polite nod. "Yes. See you on Monday, Sarah."

Even though his response was very short and cold, Sarah seemed very happy to have received an answer from Alexander. She waved her hand enthusiastically as she was led by Diana toward their car.

"See you the day after tomorrow, Clara! I’ll send you a message to arrange the playdate!" Diana shouted kindly before getting into her car.

"See you, Diana!" Clara replied while waving her hand with a sincere, warm smile.

Clara then held Alexander’s small hand tightly, leading her son into the luxurious Maybach that was waiting for them. Under the New York sky that was slowly turning golden, Clara realized that her old life, which had been filled with the fear of a contract, had now completely turned into the most beautiful and peaceful destiny of love with her complete little family.