Instinct 2
Saying this, Daphne did not forget how Carolus had contacted her earlier that morning. It was about an hour after she, Norah and Elice had left the house. They were on their way to the Harmony House orphanage when the call came in.
“But I was even more surprised when you said that Garrett was on his way to Dirk’s house.”
Saying this, Daphne unconsciously took a deep breath. She tried to calm herself, because just saying that made Daphne’s heart race. Especially before? Especially because Elice was sitting next to her. She only hoped that Elice had not overheard their conversation.
“My apologies, madam,” Carolus said. “I just wanted to inform you as soon as possible.”
“It’s okay. I understand. What you did was right.”
Carolus breathed a sigh of relief. Only Daphne did not seem to feel the same. Her calm face, now showing signs of age, looked restless.
“Madam.”
Daphne blinked once. Her eyes returned to Carolus.
“Is there something on your mind? Is there something I should do?”
Carolus had accompanied Daphne for several years. As soon as he saw her, he knew what was going on with his boss. Every expression of hers was perfectly recorded in Carolus’ mind. And this time he could judge. That even with his report, Daphne did not seem too pleased.
“I just didn’t expect Garrett to be so bold.”
Daphne’s words made Carolus pause. Silently, he honestly agreed with what Daphne had said. He also did not expect Garrett to visit Dirk at his home.
“I thought after Dirk refused to meet with him, Garrett would just keep quiet. But it turns out I was wrong. I shouldn’t have hoped he would just give up like that.”
Daphne’s shoulder lifted briefly. She remembered a few days ago. When she ordered Carolus to handle all matters concerning Dirk and Dakota. Back then she thought everything was settled. At least for a while. But Daphne really had not expected that a while would be so short.
“He…”
Carolus’ forehead creased slightly when he heard Daphne’s voice this time. It sounded shaky. Not like her usual self. For a woman of firm resolve and strong aura, it was clearly unusual.
“… is just like his father.”
Carolus’ face bowed. Somehow, a slight sense of guilt crept into the man’s chest.
“I’m sorry, madam. Next time I’ll be more responsive. I’ll work faster.”
Not saying anything in response to Carolus’ apology, Daphne honestly did not mind Carolus’ performance. She knew that he had tried his best. But she could also sense that Garrett was not someone who would give up easily. That was out of Carolus’ control.
“How is Garold?”
For a moment, Carolus looked puzzled. But a moment later he answered. “He’s doing well, madam.”
“He’s not married yet, is he? What is he up to now?”
“He is not married, madam. And right now, he’s helping out with his friend’s business.”
Daphne nodded once. “If he wants to join Pacific Energy, let me know.”
Carolus’ eyes widened. “Madam.”
“I know better than anyone how competent your son is,” Daphne continued. “I would lose out if I lost a young man like him.”
“Okay, Madam. I’ll let Garold know,” Carolus nodded, a smile spreading across his face. “Thank you.”
“And… for Dirk’s daughter. Isn’t she waiting for a job offer?”
Carolus nodded again. To which Daphne said,
“Do what you have to do.”
Carolus understood immediately what Daphne meant. “Is there anything else I should be doing, madam?”
Daphne thought for a few seconds, but shook her head.
“For now, there isn’t. Just keep an eye on Garrett’s movements. And if there’s anything else, let me know immediately.”
Carolus agreed to the order, then remembered something he had not told Daphne.
“According to Mrs. Farrah and Mr. Kurt, they returned to Crestdale today, ma’am. They left Mr. Ariel to take care of Lostic.”
Daphne did not think that was important at the moment. But she nodded. At least the report could make her feel a little relieved.
“Hopefully this family won’t come here again for a long time.”
Carolus finished the report and said goodbye. He left Daphne’s room quickly. He passed Regina, who immediately entered to help the woman rest for the night.
Walking with calm and orderly steps, Carolus could not hide the joy on his face. Because of Daphne’s offer for his son. Of course it was very pleasing. Everyone knew that it was difficult to get a position in such a large company. And Carolus was willing to bet on it. If his son joined Pacific Energy, it would not be an ordinary position.
“It looks like there’s good news, sir.”
Carolus, filled with happiness, suddenly stopped in his tracks. A knee-jerk reaction when he did not realize that someone was standing right in front of him. Not only blocking his way, but also commenting on his facial expression.
“M-Mr. Garrett.”
Whether it was surprise or something else, Carolus stuttered slightly when he found Garrett standing in front of him. The man seemed to have just emerged from his office. Maybe he wanted to go back to his room and rest.
Garrett smiled. He stepped forward and approached Carolus. His gaze pierced the middle-aged man.
“Looks like my hunch was right,” Garrett said, the smile still on his face. “You have good news.”
Carolus blinked once and shook his head. “There’s nothing, sir. Everything is normal.”
Garrett’s brow furrowed, though he still smiled. It seemed as if he found a hint of doubt in Carolus’ words. And Carolus decided not to dwell on it.
“I apologize, sir. I didn’t mean to be rude. But I must apologize. I must go home before it is too late.”
Garrett backed away. As if he were the one making way for his grandmother’s personal assistant.
“Please, go ahead, sir. And be careful on the way.”
Carolus gave Garrett a polite nod before actually leaving. He left Garrett with dramatically closed eyes. Trying to calm himself. He said in his mind.
Calm down. He doesn’t know anything.
But what Carolus did not know as he walked away was that as he left, the smile on Garrett’s face suddenly changed. It disappeared instantly, and his gaze turned sharply on the man.
*