Take Me Away novel Chapter 111

In the back hall of the jewelry store, Fiona watched as the artisan crafted her design into reality. Seeing the bits of metal come together to form the necklace she designed filled her heart with joy.

She wondered how Spencer would react when he saw her gift.

Shops that specialized in handcrafted jewelry were rare, but Fiona didn't want to simply turn to a mold to make her special gift to her husband. She was glad she had asked Terence for help.

With a smile on her face, she turned to the craftsman and told him her requirements.

"You got it!" the man replied happily. The craftsman was a middle-aged man whose rough hands looked like they were chiseled by experience. Fiona trusted that he would make the most exquisite jewelry out of the materials before him. Beside the man, she felt like a primary school student who studied his every move.

In the lobby of the jewelry store, Terence was chatting with Spencer on the phone.

The store clerk brought him a pot of hot tea and placed it on the small table before him. Terence was a patron of their store and he was known for his penchant for fine tea.

He acknowledged the staff with a polite nod as he sat on the lounge talking to Spencer.

"Well, I have to hang up now," Spencer muttered. "I have to go back to work. We still have training tonight."

"Go ahead." Terence bent down to pour himself a cup. After a good whiff of its aroma, he took a sip and felt the hot liquid going down his throat, soothing him from within.

"Don't forget to bring Fiona home," Spencer reminded him. "Did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, Mr. Cheng," Terence answered. "Am I your assistant or what?"

"Oh, I wouldn't want you for an assistant. You're too fussy."

The friends laughed and exchanged a few more words before hanging up.

Terence took another sip of his tea and felt relaxed. Some might think his life was boring, but he couldn't care less. He'd never felt more at peace.

As the saying went, there was no rushing art. Fiona wanted a one-of-a-kind masterwork and it would take a while to get the necklace done. But Terence was not in a hurry. He waited patiently and was reaching for his second cup before he even realized he was done with his first.

It was almost noon when another person entered the store. The bell rang when the door swung open, breaking the silence in the shop's lobby.

"Miss Cheng!" The manager walked up to the woman to greet her. "What brings you here today?"

"I'm here to check on the company's order."

Terence was surprised to hear the woman's familiar voice. He looked up and, as expected, it was Celine who came into the shop.

Celine was surprised to see Terence lounging around. She strutted up to him in her high heels and asked, "What are you doing here, Terence?"

"I'm here with Fiona," he replied, acknowledging her.

"Fiona? What is she doing here?" Celine raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You must have a lot of free time, Terence."

"You could say that." Terence nodded. "How about you? Do you get your designs crafted here?"

"It's not for me. I'm checking on our company's orders." Celine rolled her eyes. "This shop is part of our conglomerate. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go now."

"Sure." Terence watched as Celine followed the manager to a separate room.

Just then, his phone rang in his pocket.

He frowned when he saw the name on the screen, but answered nevertheless. "What's up, Gary?"

"Someone's here looking for you. He says he has information you might be interested in. He wants to meet with you in person."

"Really?" Terence was intrigued. "Who is it?"

"Well, he looks young and pretty harmless with his glasses on. But he spoke very decisively," Gary said. "I asked him what information he was talking about but he was arrogant. He said he only wanted to talk to you and that he had some big news you'd be interested in. I didn't want to disturb you, but he insisted that I call."

"He's probably just bluffing." Terence shook his head with a smile. "Just send him away."

"Alright then. I'll tell him to go," Gary replied.

"What! X is on the move. Mr. He, don't you care?" A voice shouted in the background from Gary's end of the line.

"Go away. Mr. He isn't interested!" Gary scolded the stranger.

But Terence's expression changed when he heard the man mention X. He quickly told Gary over the phone, "Tell him to wait for me. I'll be there in about half an hour."

"What?" Gary was surprised to hear he'd changed his mind. "Okay. I'll tell him to wait then."

"Good. Thank you, Gary." Terence hung up and rushed to the back hall to look for Fiona.

"Sir, the lines on the maple leaf don't need to be carved too deeply," Fiona instructed. She was deeply immersed in the crafting of the necklace.

"Hi, Fiona!" Terence called her attention.

"Hey, Terence," Fiona answered, turning around. "What's wrong?"

"I just have something urgent to deal with. I'll leave you here for now but I'll be back in a couple of hours. Wait for me."

"You can go back if you have something to do, Terence," Fiona said. "You don't have to pick me up. I can go home by myself. Sorry for taking up too much of your time."

"No, it's fine. I took you here so sending you home is my responsibility." He added after a pause, "By the way, Celine is here. Try not to get in a fight with her. I'll be back soon."

Fiona frowned when she heard him mention Celine's name. She didn't want her to see the necklace she had ordered.

"And one more thing, Spencer said he'd get a day off on Tuesday. I think he's coming back to M City," Terence said and looked at the necklace. "Your present would be ready by then. He must be excited for it!"

Fiona's face flushed.

"Well, I'll be leaving now but wait for me. I'll be back soon, I promise." Terence waved at Fiona before stepping out of the room. He remembered the first time he met her. Back then, Fiona always looked cold and stern, but seeing her blush made him somewhat happy. He thought it wouldn't be long before she gave birth to the Wayne's much-awaited great-grandchild. He thought it was a good idea to be the child's godfather.

In another room, Celine had seen the samples and was greatly dissatisfied. After giving quick instructions to the manager, she walked back into the lobby in a foul mood. As soon as she came to the reception area, she saw Terence walk out of the shop, talking to someone on the phone. He looked like he was in a hurry.

"Where's the woman Terence came here with?" Celine turned to the manager and asked.

"She's in the back hall, Miss Cheng."

The manager had barely finished his reply when Fiona walked up to the lobby cradling a small velvet box in her hands. Inside was the necklace she was going to give to Spencer. As soon as her eyes met Celine's, Fiona's mood turned sour.

It was never a pretty sight when rivals in love would meet, and based on their looks alone, anyone could tell that the women loathed one another. Celine glowered at Fiona while the latter looked uncomfortable.

Outside the shop, Terence got in his car and drove to Le Bar. After fumbling for his phone, he dialed Spencer's number.

"We just finished talking. What do you want?" Spencer asked.

"I'm driving to Le Bar. I heard news that X is on the move again. I left Fiona in the jewelry store for now, but I'll be back in two hours. Ask your men to keep watch over her while I'm gone," Terence explained. "I called because I'm worried for her. And I didn't want you to think that I just left Fiona behind."