CHAPTER 308: CUADRO REFINE GALLERIES’ MANAGING DIRECTOR

(Author’s POV)

"He even took the initiative to talk to that cute duckling like girl. Can you guys believe it? Our youngest~ ... he has finally grown up," Dion was in full on teasing mode as he wiped his fake tear and patted Elio’s shoulder.

Elio yelled at Dion, "Stop it ... Brother Dio, stop it. Why are you making it sound weird?" He then turned to the other two and said, "Don’t listen to him. He is just taking things out of proportion. She was just a friend I had to make on Nora’s insistence. It’s just that I got lucky and that girl was fun to talk to."

"Nora’s insistence?" Brave was puzzled. "Where did she come from in the picture?"

Elio then explained his call with Nora to them. Listening to the full story, both Brave and Alaric chuckled as Brave commented, "Even Ora is concerned about your lack of social interaction. It’s good that she encouraged you to do this. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have made a new friend."

"I know, I know," Elio said. Then, muttered under his breath, "And~ .... it’s not like I am the only one on this table who lacks social skills and avoids such gatherings," and stuffed an apple in his mouth.

Though everyone heard it, Dion was the one who fanned flames to the fire, "Ayee hey~ Eli .... Just say Alaric sucks at socializing and making new friends."

With his tongue poking his inner cheek, Elio glared at Dion, giving him a long and hard side eye.

Dion then clicked his tongue and changed the topic, "Anyways ..... we were talking about getting souvenirs for mother and Nora. Let’s focus on that. Do you guys have something in mind? Hmm, Eli~ ...... it was your suggestion. So, have you thought about what to get for them?"

The table went quiet as everyone contemplated Dion’s question. He shook his head, a disappointing look formed on his face as he said, "Here we go again~ .... Moon goddess .... my clueless brothers are back. I knew you guys would make that face again." Clapping his hand, he said, "But don’t worry. I know what to do~ .... Let’s go out to the local market to pick something out for them." Dion suggested.

"That’s a good idea," Brave agreed. Elio nodded too.

Alaric remained poker faced as he said, "You guys can go without me. I have a video conference lined up. Need to attend that." Understanding his words, no one insisted on him.

Elio, as if realizing something, commented, "I just noticed that flashy, cherry head secretary isn’t around us today. Not that I complain, but since the first day we arrived, she has been constantly sticking to us."

"I was just thinking the same damn thing. I haven’t seen her since last night," Dion remarked. He then looked at Alaric and asked, "What did you say to her?"

Alaric gave him a puzzling look and questioned back, "Why are you pointing fingers at me? What did I do?"

"Ohhooo Al~ .... I am not putting any allegations on you. The last time I saw Secretary Queens~ ... she was talking to you, at the venue’s entrance, remember?" Dion said in a matter of factly way.

Alaric recalled that very moment and frowned, his nose wrinkling in irritation, "We weren’t talking. It was more like she was pestering me. I was searching for Brave’s protective charm, and she approached me and started annoying me by asking too many questions. I just asked her to stay away."

"So, you did say something to her, haha. I fucking knew it ...." Dion laughed out loud. "Poor Elisa Queens~ ...... she must have been so heartbroken and probably sobbing in some corner. But wait~ ... what did you say about Brave’s charm? Why were you searching for it?" he inquired, his brows knitted together.

Brave replied on this one as he ruffled his hair in frustration, "It must have come undone and got dropped at the seminar. Alaric was helping me to find it."

"So, did you find it?" Elio asked.

"Unfortunately, ... nope. But I have told the hotel staff about it," Brave told them. "They will get back to me when they find it."

Everyone nodded at his words. They all finished their breakfast and decided to depart in an hour to buy some gifts for their family.

___________________________

Meanwhile, in Amy’s car, Myra took the back seat alongside Amy, and Wendy settled on the passenger seat with Amy’s designated chauffeur taking on the wheel. Yes, quite surprisingly, Wendy was with them. What happened is that, as they were departing, Myra thought of informing about her shopping trip with Amy to her parents. With no phone, she had no choice but to go back to her house to tell them in person.

Amy insisted on accompanying her and meeting her parents. Though she was reluctant, Myra didn’t refuse her.

Sandra and William were on snacks and dinner duty today, and Wendy didn’t have any lectures to attend either. So, all three of them were at home at that time.

Amy was thrilled to meet Myra’s parents, and so were Sandra as well as William. Although they were overwhelmed by her presence when Myra introduced her, "Mom, Dad, this is Mrs. Amy Garcia. She helped me at the seminar yesterday."

She was doused in top labels from head to toe. Anyone could tell that she belonged to big money family.

Wendy felt her name familiar. As outspoken as she was, she asked frankly, "Amy Garcia? This rings a bell. Are you the Amy Garcia? Managing Director of Cuadro Refine Galleries?"

Amy felt a little embarrassed as she said, "Yes, I am the managing director of Cuadro Refine Galleries."

"OHHH MYY GOSHH~ ..." Wendy exclaimed, her hands on her mouth as she gasped. ’I can’t believe it. Mrs. Amy Garcia is at my house, visiting us. I bet I would have saved a nation in my previous life, seeing that my luck has been golden these days. Should I buy a lottery ticket?’

Myra nudged Wendy as she asked, "What happened?"

"Sis, you know the name Sebastian Garcia, right? The current CEO of Garcia Group of Industries. She is his wife," Wendy told her. Her excitement was so high that she couldn’t keep her voice low.

Myra was astonished to know Amy’s identity. Although she was aware that Amy came from a rich background, given that she was one of the guests at the seminar. But she didn’t know Amy was that influential and powerful. A sudden, invisible pressure started mounting on her, although she didn’t let it show on her face.

Amy’s face turned red as she asked, "You must be Myra’s sister. It is nice to meet you. But how did you know who I was?"

"Please call me Wendy," she extended her hand for a handshake. "How would I not know about you, ma’am? Your gallery is so pre-eminent. I have always wanted to work with you .... You see, I am currently pursuing my major in fine arts. So, I know a thing or two about this. You own a rare piece of painting from the mysterious yet renowned artist, ’dev-ine’, right?"

"Wendy, calm down. Give Mrs. Garcia a break," Myra was asking her to zip it. She knew Wendy’s excitement was getting too out of hand. Wendy pressed her lips and got her hint.

Amy chuckled and said, "Yes, my husband gifted it to me on our anniversary. Wendy, right? Your sister and I are going for a shopping spree. Why don’t you join us as well?"

"Ohhhh really~ ...... can I?" Wendy’s eyes were twinkling.

"The more the merrier. Mr. and Mrs. Miracle, so, can I steal your daughters away for a while?" Amy inquired.

Sandra felt a little uncomfortable with her statement. It, somehow, didn’t sit well with her. Myra then explained the purpose of the trip to her parents, and then only Sandra and William agreed. Though the former remained skeptical.

She was observing Amy’s expression and body language, but couldn’t find a single ulterior motive. She chalked it down as, ’Maybe I am reading too much into it.’

After getting permission, Wendy sprinted back to her room and got ready in a jiffy. As they departed from the house, Sandra looked at both of her daughters’ receding figures and couldn’t help but suppress the feeling of discomfort in her heart.

William shifted his gaze from Myra and Wendy and back to his wife. He found that she was staring intently at the main gate. He called out, "Honey~ ... what happened? Why do you seem so dazed? Are you feeling alright? Are you feeling dizzy? Should I bring some water for you?"

Sandra shook her head and mumbled, "I am alright."

But William wasn’t having it. He took her inside, settled her on the couch and brought a glass of warm water. Sandra took a sip, which calmed some of her jittery nerves.

"Feeling better?" he asked as to which Sandra nodded, "Ummhmm~"

To Be Continued . . . . . . .