"Who is Melisa?" Violet suddenly asked. Alice then knew that Violet heard everything. Since it was Greg's treat, it's typical that he'd invite Alice and Tim. 'But who's that Melisa?' Violet asked herself. She couldn't recall any of Greg's friends with the name Melisa. 'Or it could be a new friend?' Violet thought to herself. But Greg wasn't the type to easily acquaint himself with any woman.
Alice was sensing what was going through Violet's mind and wanted to say something, but she hesitated because Cherry was there.
Seeing the hesitation in Alice's face, Cherry then said firmly, "Alice, go ahead and tell us. I also want to know who this Melisa is." She looked at Violet and pitied her daughter for what was happening. She then continued, "As a mother, I want to protect my children."
"No, Godmother," Alice finally said. "Melisa is the daughter of the Finance Director and she had accompanied Greg in business events for the past two years when Violet wasn't around. Since then, they've become good friends. I can vouch that Greg is faithful to Violet. Lawrence can also prove that because he was also present in those parties."
Violet didn't say a word even after hearing what Alice said. She kept staring out of the car window.
Cherry also remained silent. She was aware that in upper class' social engagements, a man must be accompanied by a woman. But Violet wasn't there for Greg on those occasions, so he needed someone to fill that role. At first, she was suspicious of that woman, but since Lawrence knew her Cherry was convinced that it was just a professional relationship and nothing more. Otherwise, Lawrence wouldn't allow Greg to be with Melisa on those gatherings.
As they were driving around the city, Jackson couldn't help but be amazed by how the city had changed. What used to be an average city turned out to be the busiest in this country. He could see tall building wherever he turned, cars in different colors, and foreigners enjoying the city where he grew up in. He couldn't help but say, "The city had changed a lot since the last time I've been here."
"What can I say, Dad. Time changes everything," Lawrence said, shrugging his shoulders. He was focused on his driving with his two hands on the steering wheel. One could say that Lawrence looked more handsome with a serious face while driving.
"What did Lily told you on the phone?" Jackson suddenly asked.
"Aunt Lily has prepared lunch for us," said Lawrence politely.
Jackson then turned his gaze to where they were going and said, "I must say, Bill and Lily were a big help to us. They took care of the house when no one was there. They must feel very lonely over the past years.
"Yeah, but it won't be like that anymore since Mom has returned. They won't feel lonely in our house since we're all be back there," Lawrence reassured his father.
"You're right," Jackson agreed. He was silent for a moment then continued, "How are your uncles doing?"
Lawrence thought for a while, trying to recall what his uncles were up to when he last visited them. He then said, "Uncle Wilson is doing a great job both in managing the H King Group and taking care of Grandparents. While Aunt Selina helped Greg to manage the hospital during their family crisis."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Ice and Fire