Noticed It
1017 Words
Inside the sleek interior of the car, Ethan leaned toward Elias and whispered, “Do you think Mama’s gonna be mad?”
Elias gave him a side-eye. “Probably.
But maybe less mad if we come with a rich old man.”
“I heard that,” Mr. Blackwood’s father said mildly, amusement tugging at his lips.
Then they turned sheepishly toward him.
“Don’t worry,” he continued. “If she scolds you, I’ll take the blame.”
Elias grinned. “Promise?”
“Cross my heart.”
As the car came to a smooth stop in front of the private underground entrance, a valet rushed over, already bowing slightly when he recognized the man inside.
The driver opened the door for Mr. Blackwood’s father, who stepped out and gestured for the boys to follow.
“Stay close,” he said, his voice low but authoritative.
Ethan grabbed Elias’s hand instinctively as they trailed after the man, wide eyed at the luxury around them.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a mirrored interior lined with polished gold accents.
“Going up,” Mr. Blackwood’s father said, stepping in.
The boys followed, holding their breath like they were entering a rocket ship.
As the elevator glided upward, Elias suddenly asked, “Are you the boss here?”
The old man’s gaze flicked to him. “Used to be but my son runs things now.”
“Is he nice?” Ethan asked.
There was a pause.
“He has his moments,” came the reply, with a chuckle under his breath.
When the elevator opened onto the executive floor, the air shifted cooler, more intense.
Sleek marble floors, sharp dressed assistants moving briskly, and a huge reception desk greeted them.
Behind it, a woman with red lipstick and a tight bun stood up quickly.
“Chairman Henry!” she gasped. “Sir, we didn’t expect”
“Where is Irene?” he asked calmly.
The woman blinked. “She’s in the conference room, sir. With Mr. Blackwood.”
And immediately both boys’ ears perked up at the name.
Mr. Blackwood’s father nodded once. “Good announce that I’m here and I would like to see the woman who bears that name.”
And immediately the receptionist picked up the phone to deliver his message.
Meanwhile, the boys peeked around the lobby like explorers in a strange land.
And several moments later, the conference room doors opened and Irene stepped out.
Her heels clicked sharply as she walked, but the moment she saw the boys standing beside the chairman, her steps faltered.
“What...?” She stared, frozen. “Ethan? Elias?!”
“Hi, Mama!” Elias grinned, waving with both hands.
Ethan gave a guilty smile. “We came to surprise you.”
Irene rushed over, dropping to her knees to inspect them.
“What are you doing here?! Are you okay? How did you she wanted to question her boys about how they got here but then her eyes flew to the chairman, who stood silently beside them.
“I—Chairman...” she stammered.
“They’re fine,” he said, voice gentle just that one of them nearly got hit by my car.
Irene’s eyes widened in shock. “What?!”
“I’m alright!” Elias said quickly. “I dodged it like a ninja.”
Irene’s hand trembled as she touched his elbow.
“You could’ve been hurt!”
Chairman Henry placed a hand on her shoulder.
“They were very brave and very curious, too.”
Irene looked between him and the boys, then stood slowly. “I am so sorry, sir. I didn’t know”
“I’d like to speak to you privately.,” he said quietly cutting off what ever it is she was about to say.
From down the hall, the conference room door opened again and a tall figure emerged.
Sharp suit and cold eyes.
His sharp gaze swept across the room and his jaw clenched when he saw hi father and Irene together.
“What’s going on here?” he asked coldly, eyeing the tension in the air.
Chairman Henry didn’t even glance at his son. His eyes stayed fixed on Irene.
“We’re about to hear something important from these two,” he said in a low voice. “So close the door behind you and have a seat.”
Mr. Blackwood hesitated, but then did as instructed as he shut the door with a soft thud and walked toward them.
“What is it, Father?” he asked, straightening his cuff. “What exactly do I need to hear?”
Then he turned directly to Irene.
“When are you submitting your resignation letter?”
Irene's breath hitched and her mouth opened, but no words came out.
Ethan was the first to react.
He jumped to his feet, his small face twisted in anger.
“ And who are you to tell our mom to resign?!”
“You can’t just come in here yelling at our mom! Who do you even think you are?!”
Elia's tugged at an angry Ethan sleeve
and asked “What’s a resignation letter?”
“It means they want Mom to quit her job,” Ethan said, his voice shaking.
Then Elia's fists clenched. He stepped forward, glaring up at Mr. Blackwood.
“You can’t make her do that!” he shouted. “Who the hell do you think you are?!”
Then he kicked Mr. Blackwood squarely in the leg.
The room froze.
Mr. Blackwood stared down at the boy, stunned. His eyes slowly lifted to the other two.
He stared at them, silent and observing just as something flickered behind his eyes.
Before he turned to his father with a confused look..
“Whose kids are these?” he asked quietly.
Before turning back to the boys, as if studying their features more carefully now.
Chairman Henry’s voice dropped into a knowing tone.
“You noticed it too, didn’t you, son?”
“Well that’s exactly what I came to talk to you about
- Writer
