Chapter 450: A memory he’d pay a fortune to forget
Meanwhile, in a small, private café located in the heart of the city, Atlas sat in a cozy seat, waiting for Zoren. It was too late for breakfast but too early for lunch. However, Atlas couldn’t wait or delay this meeting any longer.
He had told Benjamin that he would call Zoren and invite him for lunch. But calling Zoren today had never been in his plans—until he woke up underneath the bed. He was worried.
’The only good thing I’m a little grateful for is that she shoved me under the bed this time,’ he thought, unable to enjoy the aroma of the coffee hovering in front of him. ’Compared to five years ago, I’m relieved it was just under the bed.’
Thinking about what happened five years ago, his face twisted with disgust, and he nearly jumped from his seat in an attempt to shrug off the intense shame that came with the memory.
*****
Five years ago...
"What are we celebrating?" she asked, watching him approach her desk from behind it.
Atlas placed a bottle of wine on the desk, smiling. "If I don’t come to see you, I’m afraid I’ll never see you again." He then glanced around her small office. "Your office isn’t bad."
"Compared to your corner office, I’m sure it is."
"But I didn’t have to start from scratch," he replied meaningfully. "Not that I’m saying it was easy."
Penny pressed her lips together as her tense shoulders relaxed. She hadn’t been getting enough sleep or proper rest since her company was just starting out. She knew if she wanted to reach her goals, extra work was necessary. So, seeing Atlas arrive with a bottle of wine made her feel like relaxing for a moment with her brother.
"It’s been a while since I’ve seen you," she pointed out, leaning back in her chair as Atlas moved to a corner where there were glasses, coffee, and a coffee machine—everything she needed to stay awake.