Chapter 17
The Visitor
'The Chambers family donated 15 million dollars' worth of lab equipment to the school last month, right?" asked Simon.
'Did he find out I pocketed some cash from that deal and ask me here to grill me?' Despite feeling a little uneasy, Patrick, who was no rookie, didn't think Simon had caught on. So, he replied cautiously, "Yes, Mr. Sunderland. I've got it covered. Is there anything else you need from me?"
'The daughter they found is named Yvette?" Simon pressed on.
'Since when did Mr. Sunderland start caring about gossip?' Patrick was confused. He shared everything he knew. "Yvette was just found recently. I heard she hasn't had much schooling and might have a hard time graduating from Argrol University. Is there something specific you want to know about her?"
If it hadn't been for the letter in his hand, Simon probably wouldn't have thought much about this issue. The Chambers family had kept a low profile for years, and he was okay with helping them by enrolling their newly found daughter. But the problem was, this daughter was named Yvette, and the email asked him to deliver the admission notice to Yvette at the Chambers residence.
'Who exactly is this Yvette? Is she really just the daughter the Chambers family found? What's her connection to the mysterious Siren?' Simon thought hard but couldn't piece it together. One thing was clear-Yvette was the key to learn more about Siren. "Patrick, I need you to personally deliver this envelope to Yvette.
'Yvette is just the long-lost daughter of the Chambers family. What makes her so special that Mr. Sunderland sends a letter for her? Patrick was stunned, and afraid he misheard, he asked, 'Mr. Sunderland, are you sure it's for Yvette?"
Simon paused, his coffee cup hanging mid-air as he looked at Patrick. 'Is this guy deaf?'
Noticing Simon's impatient glare, Patrick quickly got the mission and rushed out of the Principal's office.
*****
As the dean at Argrol University, Patrick was a well-known figure in elite circles. When he arrived at the Chambers residence, Lucas welcomed him at the door, greeting, "What brings you here, Mr. Williams? This is quite unexpected."
Patrick felt satisfied when he saw Lucas greet him in person. Two months ago, Zachary had sent Lucas to the university to handle Yvette's enrollment, which led to a lot of back and forth between them. They both understood the unspoken benefits of their arrangement and exchanged pleasantries like old friends.
'Is the young lady that Mr. Zachary Chambers recently found here?' Patrick inquired.
Why is he suddenly asking about Ms. Zeller? They don't seem connected. Did something happen at Argrol University?' Lucas was confused as he asked, "Why are you asking about Ms. Zeller? You're here for her?"
Patrick was unsure about Simon's intentions. He thought the sealed letter he carried would provide clarity. But what was Simon's secret connection with Yvette? Ignoring Lucas's inquisitive stare, Patrick cleared his throat and said, "I'm not really sure what's going on. I just came here to deliver a letter to Ms. Zeller from Mr. Sunderland."
Lucas was shocked. Simon was a major player in the national education scene-someone who has significantly contributed to Argrol University's growth. Even the nobles in Betrico showed him respect. And now, he had sent a letter to Yvette, delivered by Patrick?
Zachary was equally astonished upon hearing this news from Lucas. Simon had sent Patrick himself to deliver a letter to Yvette? If Zachary shared this story, no nobles in Seacrity would believe him. But now, it was happening right in his own home-there was no doubting it.
If Patrick had come alone, he wouldn't have been significant enough for Zachary to come down and greet him. But since he was sent by Simon, and the situation was so surprising, Zachary figured it was worth checking out.Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.
In the living room, Patrick enjoyed Blue Mountain Coffee, impressed by the Chambers family's wealth. Even the casual antiques were worth a small fortune. He regretted not negotiating a better deal regarding Yvette when he had the chance.
Patrick tried to hide his greed, but his eyes betrayed him. Lucas noticed and felt a sense of disdain. Anyway, weaknesses make him easier to handle. Otherwise, Me. Zeller's matter wouldn't have been settled so simply, he thought.
Just as Patrick talked with Lucas and mentioned Yvette's name, a voice from the staircase-'Looking for me?"
Patrick turned sharply, his eyes narrowing.