Chapter 25: Realism
Richard followed Jack into the kitchen, where the familiar sounds of running water and low chatter filled the space.
At the sink, Anita was washing the dishes, her hands moving with practiced efficiency, while Estello sat at the nearby table, listening to an old radio playing soft, crackling music.
As soon as the two walked in, Anita and Estello glanced up.
"Oh... I thought you two weren't going to eat," Anita said, wiping her hands on a dish towel.
Jack pointed at Richard with an amused smirk. "Tita, Richard was never gonna eat if I didn't drag him here."
Estello chuckled, shaking his head. "You boys are really serious about what you do, huh?" He leaned back in his chair. "I saw your new office earlier. Looks impressive. But you know... if you'd just told me, I could've built you a two-story building right next to the house."
He gestured toward the grassy plain to the right of the mansion.
Jack smirked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not yet, Grandpa," he said, his tone hinting at something unspoken.
Richard glanced at him, catching the meaning behind the smirk—Jack was planning something bigger.
Anita, oblivious to the silent exchange, set down two plates on the table. "Anyway, here—eat up before your food gets cold."
The plates were filled with steaming white rice and a generous serving of meat and vegetables.