Chapter 147: It’s Just One More Bowl of Rice
The car moved slowly through traffic. In the glow of the streetlights, Evan Fairchild glanced over at Melody Monroe. Her hair was a bit of a mess, and she couldn’t hide her exhaustion. It was clear she was forcing herself to stay awake.
’Then there’s the little rascal, constantly clinging to Melody’s arms. He’s such a handful, I could just spank him!’
’If it weren’t for him, Melody wouldn’t have rushed back.’
’It wasn’t just the little rascal who was hungry—Melody was probably even hungrier. The flight delay had thrown off their schedule, and she’d just been discharged from the hospital. The whole trip must have been exhausting for her.’
The moment Ian Monroe met Evan Fairchild’s gaze, he snapped awake from his drowsy state, his small hands tightening their grip around his mother.
Melody immediately patted his back to comfort him.
"Didn’t you say Ian was hungry? Let’s go get something to eat," Evan Fairchild’s voice suddenly broke the silence.
"No, that’s not necessary. We can just whip something up at home," Melody quickly responded.
"And what about me?" Evan retorted.
Melody froze, unsure how to reply.
’Was President Fairchild afraid he wouldn’t have anything to eat?’
Tommy snuck a peek at his boss in the rearview mirror. ’Should I change course?’
Seeing his boss remain silent, he stuck to the original route.
The car slowly pulled up in front of her apartment building and came to a stop.
"If you’re already whipping something up, one more bowl for me won’t make a difference!" Evan Fairchild pushed open his door, got out, and held it as he waited for Melody.
Melody was utterly bewildered.
"President Fairchild, when should I come back for you?" Tommy asked from the driver’s window.
"You can go straight to HR tomorrow and collect your final paycheck," Evan Fairchild said, his voice dripping with ice.
Tommy slammed on the gas and sped away.
’The boss plans on mooching a meal and staying! So shameless!’
Once he realized what was happening, Tommy broke out in a cold sweat. ’How could I be so dense? Did my brain turn to mush?’
’President Fairchild was terrifying just now!’
...
Melody carried Ian Monroe as she walked toward the building entrance. Evan Fairchild followed silently behind.
Once they were in the elevator, Evan Fairchild shot a look at Ian Monroe. "Don’t you have legs? Can’t you see how tired your mother is? And you’re still making her carry you?"
Ian huffed indignantly but didn’t argue. He slid out of his mother’s arms and took her hand instead.
"Ian is so light, and I love holding him. I’m not tired at all," Melody said, stroking Ian’s head.
Ian leaned back against his mother and shot Evan Fairchild a defiant little eye-roll.
Evan Fairchild was left speechless.
The elevator doors opened, and Melody led Ian out.
The moment she opened the door, she felt that something inside the apartment was off.
"Nanny?" she called out, but the apartment was silent.
Pushing open the nanny’s door, she saw that the room had been cleared out. All her belongings were gone.
"She probably quit and left," Evan Fairchild remarked, standing in the living room. His brow furrowed as he took in the cramped space.
"President Fairchild, please have a seat," Melody said, quickly coming back out to attend to him.
Evan Fairchild sat on the sofa. As Melody looked at him, she felt his powerful presence was completely out of place in her small apartment.
"Ian, hurry and get our guest a glass of water."
Though reluctant, Ian did as his mother asked. He went to the water cooler, filled a cup, and handed it to Evan Fairchild.
"Such a good boy, Ian. Why don’t you sit here and keep our guest company for a minute? Mommy’s going to the kitchen to see what we have to eat."
"Ian help!" Ian immediately trotted after Melody toward the kitchen.
Melody took Ian’s small hand, and the two of them walked into the kitchen.
When she opened the refrigerator, she saw that the nanny hadn’t bought any groceries, likely because the whole incident with Ian had disrupted things.
’Even if she was planning to leave, she could have at least told me.’