THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

CHAPTER 24

THE HARRINGTON'S MANSION

The golden morning light streamed through the glass windows of the Harrington's mansion causing warm hues over the dinning table where the Harrington family gathered for breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee intertwined with the sweet scent of pancakes and syrup, creating a cozy atmosphere. Harrison and Crystal, the two young adults of the family, were seated across from their parents, Margaret and Arthur, sharing their morning meal before heading off to work.

As he poured syrup generously over his stack of pancakes, Harrison looked up and broke the early morning calm. "Mom," he began, glancing at Margaret ,who sat with her floral print napkin in her lap, "where were you yesterday? You didn’t come home for dinner."

Margaret pauses mid-sip, putting down her coffee mug. The moment hung in the air, a little heavier than usual. "I had something important to take care of " she replied, her voice firm. " I thought I’d be back in time, but it ran longer than I expected."

Crystal, who had been quietly munching on her pancakes, looked up with interest. "You have never skipped dinner before with us, so I was worried. Was the stuff you had to handle pretty tough, that you even broke your own rule?”, Her brow creased slightly, a hint of concern mingling with curiosity.

"Yes, it was. But it has been resolved", Margaret affirms, her eyes focusing on her meal.

"Cool" Crystal chimed in. "But, Mom, you’re stretching yourself thin. I don't know if it only me that sees it, you should give yourself a break sometimes. If it the company, Harrison and I always handle it well. So if you have an external work, you can pass it over to me or Harrison to take care of it”, She chewed thoughtfully, her fork pausing mid-air.

"It’s just a small work that I can handle. It's not something to worry about”, Margaret replies.

Harrison leaned back in his chair, frowning slightly. "I get that, but you also need to take care of yourself. We missed you at dinner. Though it was just us—Dad seemed to know were you went, but refuses to tell us."

Arthur, who has been quietly listening, let out a heavy sigh. "Okay, okay, that enough talking. Hurry with your breakfast and leave early”.

Harrison and Crystal, seeing how serious their fathers expression was, decided to focus only on eating. As they were enjoying their breakfast, another subject emerges.

"That reminds me, Harrison how is Carmilla doing. Have you two been talking”, Arthur ask, staring at his son.

The table erupted in silence.

Harrison sighs, his expression turning thoughtful. "She's alright.I mean, we've both been busy lately, so we only call or text each other over the weekends. It understanding when you know how it goes—endless emails and meetings. Besides it not like I'm expecting more than that. Knowing she's fine is enough for us.

Crystal shrugs, a mix of acknowledgment and curiosity.

“ Then why are you sounding like you want or expect more”.

“ Like what?, Harrison ask.

"Nothing. I'll reserve this one”, Crystal responded.As she reaches for the last pancake.

“ Your just starting something you have never experienced before. You guys should give yourself time to know each other more. And if you happen to like her deeply, I don't see a problem in that”, Arthur advices him.

"Any one can fall for her, because she is a nice person,dad". Harrison replies, finishing his last bite

"Absolutely," Arthur agrees, setting down his fork.

"What kind of daughter-in-law doesn't call home?." Margaret questions, as she finishes up and headed towards her office room, leaving the remaining members behind.

“ I'm sure I don't need to tell eto ignore her words, knowing that her behavior. Carmilla can call us at her own convenience, it more better she decides on it than being forced. Receiving her greetings through you shows she has us in mind”, said Arthur to Harrison. As he also excuses himself from the dining.

The silence at the dining was left for Harrison and Crystal to fill.

Crystal finishes her breakfast and stood up to gather her things. " Aren't you heading early today. Gather your things, let's leave early. I've some unfinished business at the office.The renovations for my office started yesterday, and I want to make sure everything is going smoothly." She said heading towards the foyer, entering the car she always rides with her brother.

Harrison quickly finishes up with his own breakfast and headed out.