Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2094
“Mom, is Dad really coming?” Lucius doubted.
For so long, he had been well aware that Larry often seemed tired when he returned home. It could be the workload weighing him down, so the boy did not want to take up his time.
“Don’t worry. Your father says he will, and he keeps his promises.” Joan patted Lucius on the shoulder.
But the boy would rather Larry sleep in…
Days passed, and soon the day for camping had arrived. Joan gave her instructions to the doctors and nurses in the hospital before she left the place feeling a little relieved. At the same time, Larry was anxiously reviewing documents in his office.
It was certainly a coincidence that, just when he was almost done with work, someone had to throw a monkey wrench into his plans.
“Mr. Norton, there’s a call for you.” His assistant quickly passed him the phone.
“Good day, Mr. Norton. It’s like this. We have decided to withdraw the partnership with your company…” The other party’s voice was quite firm, as though all countermeasures had been thought out.
Why the sudden withdrawal? A fit of anger rose within Larry. He did not understand it. What have I done wrong? Is there anything about the procedures that you aren’t satisfied with? I thought we’ve had an agreement! Why, of all times, just when the contract’s about to be signed, have you decided to back out?
“Mr. Lancaster, we’re about to sign the contract. It just doesn’t seem appropriate for you to tell me something like that. You’ve actively sought partnership with us, haven’t you? And we willingly agreed, because of your company’s credibility…” Larry dished out his discontent.
He had to admit, he certainly had high hopes for that foreign company in particular. It posed great potential, and he had wanted to work with an enterprise like that. So when the director of the company came to him about extending the partnership, he felt like he had hit the jackpot. Perhaps, in hindsight, he got hit on the head too hard.
“Mr. Norton, please don’t take it up with me. It’s our boss. All of a sudden, he gave me an order, telling me to call off the partnership with your company. I’m just following orders, sir. It’s not my decision to make,” said the other party.
“But, you’re welcome to come and talk it over with our boss. It’s still possible to turn this around. The boss seemed to be hesitating when he told me about it,” the director added.
Go abroad to talk it over? Again? Larry was not pleased at all. What about Lucius’ field trip? I’ve promised Joan I’ll go camping with them. But… this project… I can’t pass this up!
“Mr. Norton, what do you want me to do? Shall I book a plane ticket for you?” His assistant looked on anxiously, pending his answer.
This was a big project. It would be a shame if Larry gave it all up.
Larry crossed the room to stand in front of the window. He squinted as he took in the view outside. It was all rather sad. Why is everything happening at the same time?
“Yes, please do that,” Larry said faintly.
“Mom, come on!” At school, Lucius shouted.
“Oh, my dear baby boy. Slow down, will you?” came the response.
“Mom, why isn’t Dad here yet?” Lucius stared at the road a short distance away, expecting Larry’s car to appear anytime soon.
They waited long enough, but Larry failed to show up.
“Dad’s not coming, is he?” Lucius sounded disappointed.
At the same time, Larry was in a car heading towards the airport. The director had specifically told him that their boss would be leaving tomorrow, so he only had one day’s time to negotiate on the project.
Bored by the scenery outside the window, Larry checked his watch. By the time he took out his phone, he realized it had been switched off.
With no way of calling Joan to inform her of his last-minute situation, he was quickly overcome by anxiety.
“Is everybody ready? Parents, students, can I see a show of hands?” the principal shouted on the platform with a loudspeaker in hand.
“All here!” echoed the crowd.
Lucius was the only one hanging his head in silence. Joan could not bear to see the sad look on the kid’s face. She fished out her phone and made a call.
