TimeNovelChapter 825
"Aren't you the genius? There's nothing you can't do, only things you don't want to!"
Calliope grinned up at him. "Seriously, these pancakes are amazing. You could open a diner, you know!"
Lance managed a fleeting smile, the sadness on his face gone in a blink, and finally started eating in earnest.
Calliope kept up a bit of small talk, hoping to ease the awkward quiet.
Lance didn't say much. He ate slowly, pushing his food around more than actually eating it. It was obvious he
didn't have much appetite, but he was making the effort. Because he knew that if he didn't, Hudson would have
been upset. Hudson had made him promise to take care of himself, and that meant he had to try.
After breakfast, Lance set his fork down. "Callie, | know you've got a lot to deal with. Don't worry about me. I'm
fine. | need to get back and sort out sthings for the company anyway."
He glanced around the kitchen, his voice quiet but steady. "You know, the company was his whole world. He built
it from scratch, like raising a kid, really. Now that he's gone, it's up toto look after it."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
He attempted a reassuring smile. "Really, don't worry. I've been bracing myself for this. Hudson made sure
everything was set up for me. I'll follow his wishes, keep the company running, look after the house, all of it."
Calliope eyed him, concern written all over her face. "Are you sure you don't want to rest? Just for a bit?"
It looked like Lance was ready to head straight back to work, no downtime, no pause for breath. Hudson's loss
was still so fresh.
“I'll be okay,” Lance shook his head. “Resting won't change anything. He's gone. All | can do now is keep moving
forward."
"He always said he didn't wantwallowing in sadness. He wantedto bounce back. If he knew | was just
sitting around, being miserable, he'd probably be pissed."
He tried to laugh, looking at Calliope. "So, really, don't stress about me. I've got things under control. | already
booked my flight. I'm leaving this afternoon."
"That soon?" Calliope was caught off guard. She'd expected him to stick around a bit longer.
Lance nodded.
"Are you sure you're up for it?" Calliope pressed. "I can drive you to the airport, at least."
"No need. Aren't the Jewell family still blowing up your phone? Didn't they accuse you of something else? You've
got your own mess to deal with. saw sof the stuff fonline. But don't worry, | know you can handle it. | won't
butt in."
belongs to s
He looked at her then, quieter and more solemn than she'd ever seen him. Gone
was the lively, joking Lance, he seemed older, steadier.
Calliope knew he didn't want to get
tangled up in her , and
honestly she didn't need the help. The
Jewell family's nonsense could wait a few days. She'd deal with it when she was ready. s
Right now, her real worry was Lance.
"Don't worry about me," he said gently. "I'll get to the airport on my own. I'll text you when I get home."
He hesitated, glancing around the sunny kitchen. "I'll probably cback to the house every now and
then, so... if you could find someone reliable to keep it clean, I'd
appreciate it." s
Calliope nodded. "Leave it to me."
She knew Lance had everything he needed. There wasn't much she could offer, except to be there.
"If you ever want to grab a drink, call me. I'll hop a flight over and keep you company," she said.
"And if you hit any snags at work, letknow. Maybe | can help, you never know."
She paused, searching for the right words. "Honestly, if you need anything, you know where to find me. I'm
always here for you."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
