Chapter 19: Vector Core
An hour later, Jack and Richard were finally released from the gathering. Estello had waved them off, saying the real business discussions were about to begin—the dreaded weekly reports. Jack stretched his arms, letting out a groan of relief.
"Finally, we're free." He rubbed his temples. "Man, I swear, I have no idea how Grandpa deals with all that talk every week."
Richard, however, seemed more thoughtful. Unlike Jack, who looked drained, Richard had spent the past hour listening carefully, piecing together valuable connections. Some of his grandfather Mario's old friends had approached him after the gathering, offering their support should he ever need it. They owed Mario too much to ignore his grandson.
As they stepped into the mansion's grand hallway, the aroma of home-cooked food wafted through the air. It was a comforting contrast to the formal atmosphere they had just left outside. Near the entrance to the kitchen, a familiar figure appeared—Anita.
She was wiping her hands with a kitchen towel, a warm yet slightly stern expression on her face. "Ah, there you two are. You've been outside for a while."
"Yeah, Grandpa made us sit through his executive gathering," Jack grumbled, slumping his shoulders. "All talking, no action."
Richard smirked slightly, but Anita raised an eyebrow at him. "And you, Richie? You look like you had a good time."
Richard shrugged. "I wouldn't call it fun, but I did learn a lot. Some of Grandpa Mario's old friends were there. They still remember him."
Anita's expression softened at the mention of her father. "Is that so?" She let out a quiet chuckle. "Father really did leave an impression on people, even after all these years."
Jack's stomach growled loudly, breaking the sentimental moment. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh... yeah, sorry, but... I'm starving."
Anita let out a small laugh. "Then go wash up and eat. I helped with the cooking tonight."