Rushing to Rivendell


    To my surprise, it was Melvern.


    He noticed me and walked toward me with a smile on his face.


    "Ms. Chloe, what a coincidence. We meet again," he said, looking at me like an old friend.


    "Mr. Melvern, hello." I nodded politely, wondering why he was there. However, I didn''t ask.


    "Are you heading out?" he asked casually, ncing at me.


    "Yes, just stepping out for a bit." I smiled faintly. "Are you here for business?"


    "Yes, I''m here to meet an old friend," he replied, seemingly carefree. "Which floor is yourpany on?"


    "The 10th floor," I answered, but I didn''t extend any courteous invitation for him to visit.


    I was sure that if I did, he would show up at my door tomorrow.


    "Ms. Chloe, could I invite you for a chat sometime when you''re free? I have some questions I''d like to consult you about," he asked politely.


    I knew that this was just an excuse.


    "Mr. Melvern, you''re too courteous. I wonder which aspect of knowledge you are seeking," I replied distantly. This guy was like gum at the bottom of my shoe.


    "Of course, it''s about construction." He smiled pleasantly and said, "However, I''d also like to have a casual chat with you, Ms. Chloe."


    At that moment, the car sent by As arrived at the entrance. I quickly said, "Sorry, Mr. Melvern, my ride''s here, and I''m pressed for time. Let''s chat another time! We can have a sit-down."


    I didn''t close the door tightly. If necessary, I could still probe into his background. However, this person wasn''t to my liking. Seeing that I was in a hurry, he politely gestured. "That''s settled, then. See you next time."


    He seemed to be seizing an opportunity, but I didn''t quite like it. Still, I smiled apologetically at him and got into the car.


    I saw him standing in the rearview mirror, watching my car leave.


    I rushed all the way and arrived in Rivendell just around lunchtime. I went directly to the hotel that Atticus had booked.


    This was the most upscale restaurant in Rivendell, and I had been here before during my previous visits.


    Seeing him in the private room he had arranged, he seemed to have recently had a haircut and looked a bit thinner.


    "Long time, no see!" I smiled and greeted him.


    "Likewise. There''s a meeting here in the evening that I can''t get out of, so I couldn''t make it back and had to trouble you." He smiled, took the bag from my hands, and helped me settle into my seat.


    It had been a while, but it felt like catching up with an old friend between us.


    "I''ve ordered some specialties for you. We''ve known each other for so long but never sat down for a proper meal. We''re finally doing it today," Atticus said, pouring me a cup of tea. "If you''re not busy today, let''s take our time."N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    "You should have said so earlier. We could have had this meal long ago." Iughed, taking a sip of the tea he poured. "I''ve been quite busytely."


    "Is your arm better?" He nced at my arm.


    "You know about it?" I asked in surprise.


    "Yeah, but I''ve been in Rivendell, so I couldn''t visit you."


    "No wonder it is been a while since west met," I joked, "Is there another good project in Rivendell? You''re focusing on this ce again?"


    He smiled leisurely. "You guessed correctly."


    "Really?" I took another sip of water, jokingly saying, "It looks like my words are prayers. Whatever I say turns out to be urate." Atticusughed. "You''re quite clever!"


    Then, he asked earnestly, "When will construction start in Bourdamun?"


    "Soon," I replied truthfully, "Probably within this month. I can''t start until I finish dealing with the mess."


    He nodded, advising me seriously, "You must stay vignt. Bourdamun''s waters run deep, especially for the Terrells. Although the surface seems calm, someone may be biding their time."


    I was surprised and looked at Atticus. "Are you talking about Denton?"