Chapter 12 The Trio's Dinner

• After a brief moment of contemplation, Athena dismissed the notion as improbable.
• Thaddeus Sterling, of all people? Also known as the man who is the president of the Sterling Group? It seemed highly unlikely that he would personally come to pick her up.
• Instead, Athena speculated that perhaps he intended to wait for her at home.
• The more Athena mulled over the idea, the more plausible it appeared. With a sense of urgency, she wasted no time, hastily gathering her belongings and descending the stairs, intent on flagging down a cab to return home.
• Despite the early hours, the street was bustling with traffic. However, to Athena's dismay, after a considerable wait, not a single empty cab passed by.
• Just as anxiety began to gnaw at her, a sleek black Bentley pulled up beside her, its arrival a welcome surprise.
• As the car window descended, it unveiled two faces, one towering and the other small, their features strikingly similar, resembling scaled-up and scaled-down versions of each other.
• The larger figure possessed a countenance reminiscent of a Greek god, while the smaller one exuded the charm of Cupid, extending two chubby hands in a gesture of eager greeting. "Thea, we've come to fetch you," the smaller one declared with enthusiasm.
• Athena was pleasantly taken aback by the unexpected arrival, stepping forward to gently clasp the small hand extended towards her. She then directed her attention to the man inside the car, addressing him respectfully, "Mr. Sterling, why did you feel the need to come personally? I could have easily made my own way back."
• "It's no trouble at all. Please, do get in the car first," Thaddeus replied, loosening his tie before shifting to create space for her.
• After a moment of hesitation, Athena mustered her courage and climbed into the car. The reality of Thaddeus' unexpected presence left her pleasantly surprised; she hadn't anticipated that he would actually come to pick her up.
• Once settled in the car, Ronnie wasted no time in seeking comfort, snuggling up to Athena's legs and asking to be held.
• Athena gladly obliged, her heart swelling with happiness as she cradled him in her arms. His presence brought her a sense of warmth and comfort, his softness against her touch filling her with joy.
• Meanwhile, Thaddeus, exuding an air of elegance, casually rolled up his sleeves as he engaged in conversation. "Have you eaten?" he inquired in a relaxed manner.
• "Not yet," Athena replied absentmindedly, then suddenly realized her oversight. "And you? Have you eaten?" she asked, her concern genuine.
• Caught up in her work, Athena had forgotten to consider her own, and Ronnie's hunger, and her worry for the young boy was evident in her thoughts.
• Thaddeus seemed to intuit her concerns and reassured her, "Ronnie had some bread in the meantime, but I haven't eaten yet."
• "That's a relief," Athena breathed out, her tension easing slightly. But her relief was quickly replaced by a pang of guilt as she realized she hadn't thought to ask about Thaddeus' hunger. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to overlook you," she apologized sincerely.
• "It's okay, I'm not hungry," Ronnie chimed in, his words comforting as he nuzzled against her in her arms.
• Athena couldn't help but be amused by Ronnie's innocence, and she affectionately rubbed his head.
• At that moment, a subtle warmth softened Thaddeus' typically icy gaze as he observed the interaction between Athena and Ronnie.
• "I've reserved spots for us at a restaurant," he announced softly, his tone gentle. "Let's dine out tonight."
• "How is that possible?" Athena queried, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she grappled with the unfamiliar emotions stirring within her.
• As she pondered Thaddeus' suggestion, a strange sensation welled up in her heart, leaving her questioning the nature of this newfound sense of belonging—a sense of being part of a family of three.
• Thaddeus brushed aside any objections with a firm tone. "There's no need for hesitation. Ronnie and I have inconvenienced Miss Sinclair for the past two days. A meal is the least we can do."
• As he spoke, the car pulled up to the entrance of a French restaurant.
• Athena stepped out of the car with Ronnie and caught sight of the restaurant's sign: "Marseille."
• Its renown preceded it.
• "Marseille" was a name familiar to all in Juneau, celebrated far and wide for its exquisite offerings. The restaurant boasted an elegant interior, adorned with eighteenth-century furnishings that lent an air of timeless sophistication. Its culinary delights were renowned, earning it accolades in prestigious food magazines across the country. With its reputation preceding it, it was rumored that reservations had to be secured two months in advance just to secure a spot.
• In the past, dining at such an esteemed establishment would have been a distant dream for Athena, far beyond her financial reach.
• But now, seated alongside the father and son, she found herself able to indulge in the luxury afforded by their generosity.
• The trio entered the restaurant in unison, greeted warmly by the waiter, who promptly escorted them to a private dining room.
• Seated at the table, Athena found a menu awaiting her while Thaddeus inquired, "Miss Sinclair, are you allergic to anything?"
• Athena shook her head in negation. "No, there isn't anything I can't eat," she affirmed.
• "Easy to please!" Thaddeus remarked with a hint of a smile. "In that case, I'll take the liberty of placing the order."
• Thaddeus carefully scanned the menu and made a selection of four dishes, opting for just enough to satiate their hunger without extravagance. With consideration for potential leftovers, he ensured their order wouldn't go to waste.
• As they awaited the arrival of their meal, Thaddeus remained composed, his demeanor serene as he sat in silence.
• Meanwhile, Athena and Ronnie engaged in easy conversation, their interactions flowing effortlessly as they savored the relaxed atmosphere.
• As the dishes were presented, Thaddeus broke the silence with a question. "So, Miss Sinclair, are you always so preoccupied with work?" he inquired, his tone carrying genuine curiosity.
• Athena considered his query before replying, "Not typically. I used to have a more leisurely role as a general helper. It's only with this project that my workload has increased." She paused briefly before expressing her gratitude, "By the way, I must thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity."
• Thaddeus responded with humility, "You don't have to express gratitude to me. Ronnie was the one who selected you, not myself."
• "Really?" Athena's expression betrayed a hint of skepticism, as if she found this explanation difficult to accept.
• Sipping his tea with elegance, Thaddeus reaffirmed, "Indeed, it's the truth."
• Athena blinked, accepting his statement without further question. Whether it was Thaddeus or Ronnie who had chosen her for the opportunity, it held little significance to her. What mattered was the chance itself.
• Yet, a warmth filled Athena's heart, further solidifying her resolve to ensure the success of the upcoming birthday banquet.
• As the evening drew to a close and their dinner concluded, the trio departed the restaurant together.
• Not eager to part ways, Ronnie's arms wrapped tightly around Athena's leg, casting wary glances at his father.
• Amused by his son's reluctance, Thaddeus extended an offer to Athena. "Allow me to bring you home," he proposed with a gentle smile.
• Athena regarded him with a hint of suspicion, silently pondering.
• Does he intend to stay once more?
• Observing Athena's suspicious glance, Thaddeus preemptively addressed her unspoken concern. "Don't worry," he reassured her with a reassuring smile, "I have some matters to attend to tonight, so I won't impose upon you."
• Athena felt a blush rise to her cheeks inexplicably, caught off guard by the sudden awkwardness of the situation.
• A small smile graced Thaddeus' lips as he gallantly opened the car door for Athena.
• Half an hour later, they arrived at Iris Residence. After Athena escorted Ronnie inside, Thaddeus bid them farewell once more.
• Driving through the quiet night, the car made its way back to Schuster Boulevard.
• Schuster Boulevard was renowned as the most prestigious villa area in Juneau, inhabited by the wealthy and noble elite.
• Upon parking the car in the garage, Thaddeus made his way into the residence.
• The butler promptly approached him, assisting with his coat. "Is Ronan back, sir?" he inquired respectfully.
• Thaddeus nodded in affirmation as he exchanged his shoes.
• As Thaddeus finished changing, he heard the pitter-patter of footsteps hurriedly approaching. Turning, he saw Theodore rushing out, accompanied by a middle-aged lady dressed in a long, cashmere dress.
• "Why are you home this late, Thad?" Theodore inquired casually as he approached.
• Madam Sterling, however, paid little attention to Theodore's question, her focus fixed on scanning her surroundings. "Where's my little darling?" she inquired anxiously, "Why did he not return here with you?"
• Thaddeus frowned slightly, taken aback. "Why are you back this early?" he queried, "I thought Dad said that you all will only be arriving later. "
• Clicking her tongue with impatience, Madam Sterling interjected, "I just can't wait any longer; I longed for my little boy. Now, where did you go, and where is he?"
• Thaddeus maintained his composure as he replied calmly, "He's... sleeping the night at a friend's house."
• "Say that again? You left him at a friend's house? How could you!" Madam Sterling exclaimed angrily. "Our precious little one does not like unfamiliar faces. What would happen if he's distressed when he wakes up to find himself alone in the middle of the night?"
• Her tone was firm, and she continued, "You bad child, how could you leave the poor boy outside? Go and leave right this instance to take him back," she demanded.
• Theodore interjected, echoing the sentiment, "Precisely, how could you entrust him to strangers? He's too adorable; what if something were to go wrong?"
• As Theodore spoke, Sterling's father emerged from the house, his curiosity piqued. Taking a moment to absorb Theodore's concern, he inquired, "What's gone wrong? Is your friend a man or a woman?"
• Thaddeus released a drawn-out sigh and massaged his temples, feeling a headache looming. With a tinge of exasperation, he responded, "She's a woman!"