The meeting did not take too long since Mark could not stop worrying about Aristotle. The meeting that would have taken at least two hours was promptly shortened to one hour because of his son. He skipped through everything that was not important.
He returned to the office and found that Aristotle had stopped crying. Thanks to Janice’s extensive efforts in cheering him up, the little man was staring up at her blankly. He did not seem happy, but at least he had stopped crying. Mark heaved a sigh of relief, walked up to her, and said, “You’re certainly good with children. No one could soothe Smore except for his mother.”
Janice became slightly more reserved when he returned. She stepped aside. “Smore? Little Smore? What a cute nickname!”
Mark gazed at his son and smiled. “That’s right, his mother gave it to him. We’ve gotten used to calling him by that name. His real name is Aristotle Tremont.”
Janice stared dazedly at Mark for a few seconds. Everyone in the office had mentioned that it had been a long time since he last smiled. She did not expect him to look even better when he smiled. It made him look a lot gentler. He did not seem scary like the rumor described. He was like a shining star in the night sky. When she regained her senses, she sincerely complimented him. “What a great name, Mr. Tremont. I can tell that you’re really in love with Mrs. Tremont.”
Mark thought of Arianne, and his smile vanished. He did not say anything. Who knew where that woman had run off to now?
Janice noticed the lack of reply but made no move to leave. She deftly switched the topic. “Mr. Tremont, I don’t think you remember me, but I remember you… I’ve always remembered you.”
Mark looked at her warily. “Have we met?”
Janice lifted her hand and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, smiling shyly. “No… I was still studying then. My family wasn’t doing too well. Your financial aid helped me. You’ve helped so many people. I’m sure you don’t remember them all. That’s why I came to work in your company as soon as I graduated. I won’t let your goodwill go to waste. I’ll do my best.”
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