CHAPTER 148: STUNNED BY THE CEO’S SMILE

On Monday, while Zeke was in a meeting with his managers and directors to discuss the progress of their new drug development, the sharp sound of a phone ringing suddenly shattered the serious atmosphere.

Heads turned in unison, scanning the room for the source of the sound. Who would dare let their phone ring during a meeting, especially when everyone knew Zeke hated interruptions?

The rule was crystal clear: phones must be on silent mode—Do Not Disturb, if possible. If something urgent came up, the call had to go through the office, never directly to a personal line.

Now, they were all waiting to see the unlucky soul who had just broken their boss’s rule... the one who had foolishly let their ringtone echo in Zeke’s meeting room.

But when they finally spotted the culprit, every pair of eyes went wide.

To their utter disbelief, it was Zeke’s phone that was ringing.

And the real shocker? He answered it with a broad, unmistakably warm smile.

The managers and directors froze. Zeke never, ever brought his phone into a meeting. And no one had ever seen him smile like that over a call.

They exchanged quick, bewildered glances, each silently wondering the same thing: Who could possibly make the boss break his own rule and look that happy?

"Hey, baby. What’s wrong? Why are you calling me?" Zeke’s voice dropped into a tone so soft and full of affection, it sent jaws crashing to the floor around the table.

Andrew, who had been quietly observing the managers’ and directors’ stunned faces, let out a small chuckle.

It was refreshing to see their shocked expressions.

They were all stunned because Zeke, who never broke his own rules during meetings, had just done exactly that. Andrew, knowing who could make him act this way, felt quietly satisfied.

He could see the managers and directors buzzing with curiosity, eager to find out who had the power to make Zeke break his own strict rule and soften his normally stern expression with such a wide smile.

Andrew then shifted his gaze to Zeke, who was now talking to the person on the phone.

"Your Grandpa and Mom are here. They want to pick up Claire from preschool, and then take her to Bastiano’s house." Cassidy said.

Zeke pushed back his chair and stood. "Ten-minute break," he said, then walked out of the meeting room. All eyes in the room followed him, surprise and curiosity showing on every face.

Hearing Zeke, Cassidy said, "Are you in a meeting? Oh my... I had no idea. I’m sorry."

Zeke chuckled. "It’s fine. They get it. And right now, I’m sure everyone’s wondering who has the power to make their CEO stop a meeting in the middle of it."

"You’re making me feel guilty. Is it really okay for you to just leave like that? Won’t they be angry?"

"Angry? Not a chance—they’re paid by me."

"Learn to be a little more humble," Cassidy teased from the phone.

"Alright, I’ll follow your advice. So after picking up Claire from preschool, you’re heading to Grandpa’s?"

"Yeah, that’s the plan. Mom said it’s to celebrate Grandpa’s birthday, which was last week. Since we’ve been so busy grieving, they’re only doing it today. Just a simple dinner at Grandpa’s—just us," Cassidy explained.

"Okay. After my meeting, I’ll join you at Grandpa’s."

"Okay, see you there," Cassidy said, before hanging up.

Zeke took a deep breath and turned back to the meeting room. "Alright, let’s continue the presentation," he said, his expression returning to CEO mode—focused and serious.

Once the meeting wrapped up, Zeke leaned back and addressed Andrew. "I’m leaving early. Handle the stuff that doesn’t need my attention."

Andrew nodded. "Got it, boss."

"And remember," Zeke added, "don’t call me unless it’s really important or urgent. Understood?"

"Understood," Andrew replied with a small smile.

Zeke stepped out of the meeting room and made his way to the elevator. "Time to catch up with them," he muttered to himself.

When he arrived at Bastiano’s mansion, the place seemed unusually quiet. No sign of Claire, Cassidy, Bastiano, or Margaret.

He waved over a passing staff member. "Where are they?"

The staff member replied respectfully, "Master is giving Miss Claire a tour, sir."

Zeke stepped out of the house and walked toward the buggy car station, the open area beside the driveway where the buggies were usually kept.

He called over a staff member. "Take me to where they are."

Zeke spotted them near the pool, the wide green lawn beside it now transformed into a mini playground.

"When did this area get turned into a playground?" Zeke asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"Just last week, sir," the staff replied.

As Zeke neared them, he stepped down from the buggy. The moment Claire saw him, she let go of Margaret’s hand and ran straight into his arms.

"Daddy... Daddy... Daddy!" she shouted, her excitement bubbling over.

Zeke chuckled and bent down to scoop her up, holding her tightly.

"Did my princess miss Daddy?" he asked softly.

"Yes, Daddy! I missed you lots!" Claire said, wrapping her tiny arms around him.

"Daddy missed my princess too," he said, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"So, are you having fun at great-grandpa’s house?"

"Yes! It’s so big, Daddy! And there are so many rooms. Look, there’s even a playground!" Claire exclaimed, her eyes shining with delight as she pointed toward the mini playground.

Zeke chuckled. "I’ll build a playground for you at our house too, once it’s ready."

"Our house?" Claire tilted her head, confused.

"Yeah, our house—someday. "But it’s still under construction, not ready just yet." Zeke explained gently.

Claire just grinned, nodding and listening, clearly excited even if she didn’t fully get it yet.

Bastiano, Margaret, and Cassidy came over, smiling at the little scene.

"Honey, grandma’s sad! You just forgot all about me as soon as your daddy showed up," Margaret said, pretending to pout. Claire’s little face scrunched up in confusion.

"Grandma’s sad?" she asked, tilting her head, worried.

"Yes, grandma’s sad. You need to hug grandma and make me happy again," Margaret coaxed, holding her arms out wide.

Without hesitation, Claire reached out, and Margaret lifted her from Zeke’s arms, holding her snugly.

"Mom, she’s a bit heavy," Cassidy said softly, watching Margaret adjust to carrying Claire with a careful smile.

"It’s okay," Margaret said, cradling Claire gently in her arms.

"Happy birthday, Grandpa. I’ll send your gift later," Zeke said, pulling Bastiano into a heartfelt hug.

Bastiano held him tightly in return. "Thank you, my boy."

Zeke felt a special closeness to Bastiano, even more than to Gregory. Despite his strict nature, Bastiano had always included him in his world—taking him to parties, events, and galas, introducing him to their circle of colleagues. He had shared his wisdom and guidance, shaping Zeke into the confident and capable CEO he was today.

Meanwhile, Margaret gently set Claire down, her eyes bright as she pointed toward the backyard. "Daddy! Mommy! Let’s go play at the playground!" she called, running excitedly toward it.

Cassidy laughed, "You just finished playing? Aren’t you tired?"

"Nope! Come on, Daddy, come play with me."

Zeke grinned down at his daughter. "Alright, let’s go," he said, taking her hand and heading toward the playground.

Claire ran ahead, her laughter ringing across the green lawn. Bastiano chuckled, watching her with a fond smile, while Cassidy followed, keeping a watchful eye.

After nearly half an hour of running and laughing at the playground, Claire finally flopped onto the grass, giggling and catching her breath.

"Daddy... can you teach me to swim?" she asked, her big eyes sparkling with excitement.

Zeke grinned, ruffling her hair gently. "Of course, princess. I promised, remember?"

Claire jumped a little. "Yes! Can we do it now, Daddy?"

Zeke laughed softly, shaking his head. "Not just yet. Let’s rest a little first—Daddy’s a bit tired, even if my princess isn’t. Then we’ll go to the pool, okay?"

Claire pouted playfully, but then shrugged. "Okay... but hurry, Daddy!"

Zeke squeezed her hand and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

After an hour of resting, Zeke suddenly remembered something. "Oh! Princess, you don’t have your swimsuit yet,"

He quickly called Nolan. "Can you grab a swimsuit and some goggles for Claire from the store?"

Twenty minutes later, Nolan arrived, carrying Claire’s new swimsuit along with a pair of swimming goggles. "Here you go, sir," he said, handing them over.

Claire’s eyes lit up as she took them. "Yay! Thank you, Daddy!"

Soon, Claire was ready in her new swimsuit, her excitement barely contained. Cassidy followed, smiling as they walked toward the pool.

Before getting into the water, Zeke knelt beside Claire at the pool’s edge. "Alright, princess, first we’ll do a little warm-up. Some stretches and simple exercises to get your body ready for swimming. Okay?"

Claire nodded eagerly. "Yes, Daddy! I’m ready!"

Zeke guided her through a few light stretches and exercises, arm circles, bending, and a few hops, making it fun by counting together. "One... two... three... good job, princess!"

Once Claire was warmed up, Zeke held her hands gently. "Great. Now we’re ready to get in the water."

***