Chapter 12

Night time. When the family was having dinner, Adrian’s phone rang. It was Daniel on the line. “I need to take this.” Adrian got up and went to the garden. Once he picked up, Daniel said, “Sir, the Cowells sent you an invitation for a gathering at their home. I haven’t replied. Will you be attending?” “I don’t have time for that. Reject the invite.” Adrian hung up and went back inside. Samantha said to Adrian, “Go to my family home and meet my grandmother tomorrow. She’s my family.” “All right.” He nodded. “Don’t forget to bring her some gifts. I have some money here.” Rue quickly took out her purse and handed him a hundred dollars. He looked at the money and was touched. It was apparent she had been keeping this money for a while now because it was all crumpled up. Something came to mind and Adrian said, “Mother, how much money do you need for Ada’s tuition? Which university did she get into?” Adaline looked up and started paying attention. Rue said, “Swallowston University—finance major. It’s the best university in the city. We need another four thousand for the fees. I’ll figure it out.” Rue’s tears started falling. She had a few good years with Henry. But after his death, her life took a turn for the worse. Not being very cultured or well-educated made it hard for her to get a job. She worked at Swallowston High’s cafeteria and made minimum wage. Adaline was Rue’s hope. Once Rue graduated from university, she could get a job that would make around three thousand dollars a month. However, problems kept arising at home and they were forced to spend all their savings. They could not afford the four thousand dollars. “I’ll sell my car tomorrow,” Samantha said. Samantha drove an Audi. She had bought it for business purposes. However, Bailar was in turmoil right now and owed the bank. If they needed four thousand dollars, selling the car would help. When Rue heard this, she immediately said, “No, Sam. You need your car, and Bailar is your baby. Even though you’re facing possible bankruptcy, you need to hold on. “I’ll figure it out. You going to university is more important, Ada.” Adaline, who was still eating, wiped her tears away after hearing the conversation between her mother and sister-in-law. She looked up. “I don’t need your money. I’ll take a gap year and work instead. I’ll reapply next year.” “No.” Adrian stood up. “You have to go to university. I’ll pay the rest of the fees. I’ll be right back.” He started to walk away. Rue asked, “Where are you going?” But Adrian left without answering. *** Adrian got to the gate and made a call. “General Summers, have someone bring twenty thousand dollars to me in cash. I’m waiting at the gate.” “Yes, sir.” After waiting for about ten minutes, a car pulled up and a woman got out. “Sir, here’s the money you requested.” “Thank you.” He nodded and went back into the house with the money. Rue, Samantha, and Adaline were still eating in silence. Adrian walked in with twenty thousand dollars and handed it to Rue. “Mother, keep this.” When Rue saw the money, she was touched and started tearing up. “Adrian, wh-where did you get this from?” Adaline looked at Adrian in shock and though Samantha did not have an obvious change in her expression, it was clear that she was shocked too. He could have brought fifty thousand dollars, but that would scare Rue. She was a regular woman without big ambitions, after all. As for his own identity, Adrian decided that he would only reveal it later as there was no rush. Adrian replied, “It’s from my savings. I’ve been very thrifty over the years. It isn’t much, but it’s enough for Ada. You can get yourself and Samantha some new clothes with whatever’s left. “I’ll take care of the family from now on.” Rue lost control of her tears after hearing this, and so did Adaline. Adaline wanted to attend university more than anyone, but because their family was in a tough financial spot—coupled with Samantha’s company troubles—there was no extra money for her. The money that Adrian brought home was a light at the end of the tunnel. “I’ll accept the money, Adrian. It’ll be a great help to Ada. Now that we have this, I won’t need to borrow any.” Adrian nodded, then said to Adaline. “Ada, study hard. You’ll be taking over Father’s business in the future. I’m not great at making money, so Mother will need you.” “I know,” Adaline replied. Adrian did not say anymore and continued eating. After that, Samantha took a shower and went to bed. Since she did not want to sleep in the same bed as Adrian, she shared a room with Rue and gave hers to Adrian. *** Later that night, an announcement shook the city. Swallow Central, Swallowston’s city center, that Lucas was building would be launching in a week. It would be open for public tender so that all the big corporations could bid for a spot there. Everyone started paying attention to the announcement. *** The next morning, Samantha got a call early in the morning. It was from her grandmother, Violet Barker. When Simon and Clara got home, they must have said something about Adrian and Samantha. When the old woman called, she questioned Samantha. She demanded that Samantha and Adrian came to see her immediately. Before visiting Samantha's grandmother, Adrian and Samantha made a trip to the market. As this was the first time Samantha was bringing Adrian back to her family home, she spared no expense in buying many gifts to make sure every family elder got one. “When we get there, don’t talk back no matter what Grandmother says. Just follow my lead.” Samantha advised him when they left the market. He nodded but did not say anything.