Suddenly There Are Three (Bailey and Artemis) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Out of curiosity, Artemis drew out the leave application and took a glance at it.

It was unusual for employees to submit their leave applications to the CEO's office. Even department directors would only need to submit their leave applications to Dwayne instead of obtaining the CEO's approval.

The applicant was Susan Jefferson, seven years old, and her stage name was Barbara.

Artemis thought the stage name sounded familiar. Barbara? I feel like I've heard this name somewhere before.

The reason stated in the leave application: Mommy wants me to clean up Granny's graveyard.

The corners of Artemis' lips twitched when he came across the reason.

Dwayne could tell something was amiss with his expression and was about to snatch the form back. Oh, Barbara. You could have just called me instead of submitting a leave application. I don't know how the tyrant would react now that he has seen this application.

Artemis arched his brows and quipped, “Why are you so nervous? Is she your illegitimate child?”

“Don't utter nonsense, please.” Dwayne mustered up his courage and stared at the man. Gritting his teeth, he continued, “I've yet to touch a woman, so don't make stories to tarnish my reputation.”

Artemis did not believe a word he said. Scrutinizing Dwayne's lower torso, he teased, “You've been pursuing Victoria for a couple of years now, haven't you? So how's your progress? You should sleep with her, get her pregnant, and seal the deal.”

His remark rendered Dwayne speechless.

Artemis then turned his attention to the leave application and muttered, “Barbara. If I'm not mistaken, Tempest Entertainment under Luther Group spent three hundred million to brand and market Barbara as the international child star, right? She was even a nominee for Oscars' Best Child Actor Award this year.”

Somehow, Artemis still thought the name rang a bell. Susan Jefferson. Susan Jefferson? I'm sure I must have heard this name before.

“Wow. I'm surprised Mr. Busy Man still remembers my goddaughter. What an honor! We'll definitely need your support to help her win the Oscars' Best Child Actor Award.”

“Goddaughter?” Artemis arched his brows. “I never knew you have a goddaughter. Whose daughter? The men we know are either still single or have only sons. None of them has a daughter.”

Dwayne massaged his temples and sighed. “She's Victoria's goddaughter, and the girl is her best friend's daughter. Since I'll be marrying Victoria soon, I consider the girl my daughter now.”

Artemis responded with a faint smile. I see.

However, in just seconds, his smile vanished when he glanced at the reason for taking leave. She must be a mischievous little girl.

Artemis preferred to have a daughter over a son. He thought daughters, generally, were more well-mannered, and he had a soft spot for them. Too bad. I don't think I'll ever have a daughter.

“Bring her to Luther Group's headquarters. I want to meet her when she returns to Hallsbay. As for the Oscars' Best Child Actor Award, don't worry about it. All I need to do is make a call. I'm doing this for you and Victoria.”

Upon recalling something his mother mentioned earlier, Artemis said to Dwayne, “Caridee's coming-of-age ceremony is around the corner. Have you contacted that designer? You must get the designer to come up with a unique evening gown. The ceremony marks a milestone in a girl's life, and Caridee is my one and only sister. I want to give her the best.”

“Don't worry. The designer Xavier recommended is the lead designer in Archulea, and I heard she's quite an influential figure. I'm sure Ms. Caridee will be impressed with the gown.”

Artemis kept mum for a moment before replying, “Cancel all my schedules from three to four in the afternoon. Call her to come and meet me here. I want to talk to her personally.”

Since Dwayne knew Artemis cared about Caridee, he was not surprised that Artemis took charge of Caridee's coming-of-age ceremony. Dwayne then nodded in response to his request. “All right. I'll call her. She was supposed to report duty at the headquarters yesterday, but something caught up. She should be able to make it today.”