We were doing construction work, after all. Safety was paramount for the project to proceed unhindered.
Leedon nodded in understanding. Then he asked, “Do you need to take a look at Emerald Base as well?”
I shook my head. “Not for now. Fuller Corporation will hand it over when it’s ready.”
The Emerald Base was more or less complete. All Fuller Corporation needed was to do was to input their AI technology into the system.
The afternoon passed in a flurry at the base. Occupied with work, I neglected Nora’s call until lunchtime.
I quickly dialed her number back. She answered within a few rings.
“Scarlett, are you busy with work? Why didn’t you pick up my call?” Nora’s voice rang concernedly over the phone.
“The Fuller Corporation’s project starts today. I’m at Lavelian Village, busy settling several things. What’s up?” I asked, watching Leedon walk over with two lunch boxes. He wordlessly handed me one of the boxes when he saw that I was occupied.
I nodded my thanks to him. In the meantime, Nora continued, “It’s nothing. Tabitha called to ask if we were available anytime these few days, hoping to organize a reunion of sorts. Didn’t we say that we would set up a business together or something? I think everyone’s been rather free lately, so we’re looking for something to do.”
“Sure. Why don’t you ask her to pick a date and place? You can let me know afterward. I’ll head over there straight,” I said, stuffing food into my mouth by the spoonful. In my haste, I choked, spluttering.
Leedon handed me a glass of water. I mouthed a “thank you” to him as I drank it gratefully.
On the other end of the line, Nora said, “That works too. I’ll let them decide then.”
Just then, I recalled the events of last night and probed, “Did you spend last night with Armond?”
“Um…” Nora stammered, then said meekly, “Um, I’m busy with something else right now, so I’ll be hanging up! I’ll text you once we’ve agreed on a date.”
Nora then immediately ended the call. She was clearly set on avoiding the question altogether.
I looked down at my phone chuckled to myself. I then turned to Leedon and properly thanked him once more. “Thank you!”
Leedon waved away my thanks. “All of Lavelian Village’s projects used to be managed by men. I don’t recall ever having seen a female manager here before. Prepare yourself, Ms. Stovall. You have a long ride ahead of you.”
I took another few bites of rice and grinned at him. “No problem. What’s life without a purpose to strive for?”
Leedon agreed, then exhaled. “You look so young! You’re probably as old as my daughter.”
I laughed. “I’m already over thirty years old! You aren’t too old yourself either, from the looks of it.”
Leedon hesitated. He looked me up and down, then commented ruefully, “Here I was thinking that you were still in your twenties! You have a youthful air about you.”
We broke out into guffaws. At that moment, Ashton appeared, accompanied by Joseph and Rachel.
Leedon reached forward and covered his half-eaten lunchbox. He then stepped forward and extended his hand in greeting, “You’re here, Mr. Fuller!”
I, too, got to my feet and called out likewise, “Mr. Fuller.”
Ashton had his jacket draped over an arm, perhaps compelled to remove it by the heat. He was wearing a wine-red shirt and looked more peaceable than he usually did.
His attention seemed to be on the lunch box in my hand. Ashton wrinkled his brow, then ordered, “We’ll head out for lunch in a while. It’ll be good for us to report on the respective developments in our work then. We’re expecting some people in the afternoon, so everyone can take the chance to get to know each other.”
Leedon agreed vigorously.
I reserved my comments. I’d eaten my fill, and was resolved to remain professional.
As I emptied the leftovers into the bin, Ashton drew near. I assumed that he had further matters to discuss with Leedon.
I turned and entered the base. Its area spanned approximately five thousand and three hundred square feet, and the laying of its foundation required human labor. We planned to continue the rest of its construction using solely AI technology.
No matter what other opinions I held of Rachel, I had to confess that her intellect was truly astounding.
An immense frame had already been erected inside the base and was already inlaid with reinforced concrete. It was break time, and most of the machines had temporarily wound down to rest.
I wasn’t familiar with construction work. Over the course of handling a few other projects, however, I’d gained a superficial understanding of how things worked.
“I heard you managed projects such as these at Fuller Corporation previously. Now that a few years have passed, how does it feel to be back in the shoes of the Director once again?” A voice rang out from behind me. I turned my head only to see Rachel sauntering over.
Her flowing dress made an exceptionally bizarre contrast against the dusty landscape.
I poked at a steel bar beneath my feet, and it rolled off, harmless, to the side. I then turned to her with mock applause, saying, “Aren’t you afraid of losing your balance? Your high heels must have cost a fortune!”
Scornfully, Rachel replied, “A fortune? It just cost me a few thousand. As for you…”
She looked at me disdainfully, her gaze sweeping over me from head to toe. “I guess Ashton doesn’t really care about you much. You’re the dowdiest president’s wife that I’ve ever met. I suppose the total cost of everything that’s on you, including your phone, isn’t worth more than five thousand?”
I answered cheerfully, “Yes. They’re just things.”
Rachel sniffed contemptuously. “There’s no need for you to carry on like this. Let me give you a piece of advice. Divorce Ashton, and I’ll give you a hefty sum of money. You can’t compete with me anyway! By dragging things on, you’re just making yourself look more pitiful.”
