A confident smile curved Scarlett's lips.
"I've been ready. Everything is in place. Once you sign that deal with Flynn Group, I'll walk into their boardroom as the executive director. They won't know what hit them."
"But remember," she added, "we need to keep our story straight. You hired me as your domestic executive director. I don't want them knowing we're siblings just yet."
Zachary's voice softened, laced with indulgence. "Whatever you want. As long as you're happy."
Hearing the warmth in his tone, and remembering everything he had endured over the years, Scarlett's heart ached.
"Zachary..."
Picking up on the sudden sorrow in her voice, he chuckled softly. "What's wrong? Miss me?"
Scarlett bit her lip, fighting back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She forced her voice to stay steady.
"Yeah. I miss you. A lot."
"When Mom was making dumplings the other day, she kept talking about how much you loved her beef dumplings when you were little. She said you'd always eat two massive bowls. She keeps wondering how much longer you have to stay out of the country before you can finally come home."
The line went dead silent.
Scarlett gripped the phone, her chest tightening as silent tears slid down her cheeks.
She waited. For nearly two agonizing minutes, there was nothing but the faint crackle of the connection, until finally, his low, strained voice broke the silence.
"Soon. I miss you guys too. And I really miss Mom's cooking."
"Tell her to hold on a little longer. Once I tie up a few loose ends here, I'll come back."
Scarlett choked back a sob. "Just promise me you're taking care of yourself over there."
"Mom already made a huge batch of dumplings and put them in the freezer. When I fly out to Country A for the awards ceremony, I'll bring them to you."

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