Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Valerie and Nicole sat on the couch eating their ice creams quietly. A lot was running through Valerie's mind. She still couldn't get it off her mind that she actually met her boss at the airport.

Nicole turned his gaze to her, and saw how absentminded she was. “Val, are you okay?”

“Yes… yes? Huh?” Valerie stuttered as she flinched. Nicole stared at her with narrowed eyes. “Tell me, what's wrong with you, Valerie? You don't look okay”.

“What… What are you talking about, Nick? Of course, I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind” Valerie forced a smile at him, and he shook his head.

“Have you forgotten that I know you even more than you know yourself? It's obvious that something is troubling you, and if you can't confide in me, I wonder who else you will” Nicole held her hand, and she smiled nervously.

“I'm just worried. To think that I might lose my job with what happened today at the airport. I just sensed that the President wasn't happy”.

Nicole scoffed. “You're unbelievable, Val. I think you've forgotten who I am. Listen, I can get you a suitable job if you like. You don't have to worry anymore, doll. I'm here for you”.

With that, Valerie smiled and smacked his cheek. “How could I forget that? Uhm… Nicole, I think you should head back home. I mean, you just got back, and you need to rest. I would rather not be the reason you're out here instead of taking a rest”.

“Silly girl! I don't mind. I've always wanted to spend some time with you, doll”.

“Whatever! You're back now, Nick. We have all the time in the world to catch up, so that won't be an issue, right?” Valerie chuckled.

Rolling his eyes, Nicole snapped. “Fine! Eat up your ice cream before it melts”.

“Yeah, man!”

President Ethan stormed into the office building, very furious. He couldn't believe his eyes.

“So grandma's favorite grandson Nicole is actually close to Valerie, the nanny? They are even best of friends”.

“President Ethan, are you okay? Please have a cup of water” Dan walked in with a glass of water.

Ethan glared at him, and turned his gaze away. “I don't need water. I'm not thirsty”.

“You look furious. What's going on? You've been acting so weird, is anything the matter?” Dan asked.

Breathing heavily, Ethan turned to Dan. “Didn't you see what happened at the airport?”

“Is this about Sir Nicole? What did he do to you?” Dan arched his eyebrows.

“Didn't you see, Miss. Watson at the airport? Or were you simply carried away? She came to the airport just because of him. Who would have thought they knew each other? That's ridiculous!” Ethan didn't stop lamenting.

Dan cleared his throat noisily before sitting close to Ethan. “Is that really the reason you are annoyed?”

“What else? You don't know how furious I get whenever I think of that”.

Confused, Dan stared at him. What amazed him was how serious Ethan looked while talking about it. “Why is he so serious about that? What does that have to do with him?”

“They must have known each other for a long time, I guess. But sir, why are you furious because of that? I mean, she's just a nanny. This is not worth you being angry” Dan chipped in, Ethan turned to him, and grabbed him by the collar.

“You jerk! Who the hell are you to tell me what to do? Besides, I think she should go home and rest when she's off work instead of going about with men” Ethan's voice was filled with jealousy and anger.

“I… I… I think so too sir” Dan gasped for breath because Ethan was still holding his collar.

“Good” Ethan replied, letting him go forcefully. Dan, on the other hand, coughed helplessly as he walked out of the office.

…

Presently, at Valerie's apartment, she walked in looking exhausted as she sat heavily on the couch. It had been a really long day, and she wished she never saw Ethan at the airport.

“What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling bad just because my boss saw me with my best friend? I should feel bad, should I?”

She was still lost in thought when her cell phone rang. She picked it up from the table beside the couch she was sitting on, and peered at the screen. “Daddy?”

She quickly accepted the call, and placed the phone on her ear. “Hello. Dad?”

“Oh, my baby. How have you been, Valerie?” Her father's voice echoed.

Valerie smiled. “I'm doing good, just a little stressed. But you know I'm a strong girl, right?”

“Come on, daughter. I know you're working hard, but I want you to always take a break when you feel very stressed. That's the more reason why you should come and live with us here”.

“Uhm… Of course, Dad. I'm definitely going to take care of myself, so you won't have anything to worry about,” Valerie answered sharply. The thought of going back to Watson's Residence made her freak out.

“Good girl! By the way, when are you coming to visit me again? I have a special gift for you”.

“Special gift? What is it, daddy?” Excited Valerie squealed.

Her Dad laughed before responding. “You'll see”

“I'll make time for that, daddy.” Valerie smiled broadly.

At the old Davison's villa, as soon as Nicole walked in, his Grandma Barbara rushed to him and hugged him tightly. “Oh my son. You're so big now”.

“Grandma, I missed you.” Nicole chuckled. His gaze was turned to Ethan, whose footsteps were heard from the stairs.

“Are you just coming back now? You took a lot of time, buddy” Ethan smiled a little.

“Just a little catch-up with the doll” Nicole sat heavily on the couch.

“I'll go see if the chef has prepared your favorite like I instructed. You're going to get thin if you don't eat well” Grandma Barbara nagged as she walked away. Of course, Nicole was going to get used to that.

Nicole exhaled deeply, and picked up the remote control while Ethan sat beside him operating his cell phone. There was silence between them until Nicole asked. “How's my little cutie, Audrey?”

Ethan nodded, and replied. “She's doing great. By the way, how did you know Valerie Watson?”

Upon hearing that, Nicole turned swiftly to Ethan. “She's my doll. My best friend and even more”.

Ethan's face countenance changed, but he had to conceal his rage. His voice was filled with envy, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. “Are you pursuing her?”

“Why are you asking that?”