Chapter 2017

At the company, Tommy had worked with Mavis the longest. During the period when Mavis and Nathaniel were having marital problems, he witnessed their conflicts firsthand. He would never have expected Mavis' trip abroad to be a permanent farewell. After a moment of reflection, he cleared his throat and reminded the gathered employees. "Even though Mr. Nicholls isn't here right now, don't slack off. You know his character. If you don't have the results he expects, be prepared for a scolding." The group fell silent and dispersed quickly. … Mavis' funeral was scheduled for a week later. She was to be laid to rest in the Nicholls family's private cemetery in Svelton, and she would also be included in the family's altar room. The baby was blissfully unaware of the surrounding grief, cooing and smiling all day long while the nanny fed him. The family took great care of the child. By the third day after returning from Deltsburg, Nathaniel still had not emerged from the stu