Chapter 3

Presenting the breakfast in exquisite fine china and crisp linens, a trait in the refinement of the Emerson family. Malcolm Emerson, the family's head, and CEO of Emerson Industries, sat at the helm, sipping at his coffee.

"Benjamin, I went through the quarterly reports," Malcolm goes on, drawing everyone's attention with his voice. "Will our profits rise further? I believe we can perfect our investments as well."

Benjamin nodded, his expression intent. "I agree, Father. I've been analyzing the market trends, and I think diversifying our portfolio will yield better returns."

Adeline sat in silence, her eyes fixed on her plate. However, her mind was occupied elsewhere. She had been waiting for the opportunity to mention her research trip; however, the business conversation between her father and brother was showing no signs of dying down.

"Benjamin, I want you to analyze the Johnson account," continued Malcolm. "There's something in their proposal, but I want you to check if it coincides with the strategic goals."

"Yes, Father," Benjamin returned. "I'll check it today and get back with my assessment."

Adeline's frustrations built. She needed permission for her research trip but this conversation seemed to go on forever. Her father's rules were clear: No travel allowed without permission.

"And Benjamin, I want you to accompany me to the investor meeting next week," Malcolm said.

Benjamin nodded. "Of course, Father."

There went Adeline's chance to speak. Clearing her throat, she tried to interject, but to no avail; her father was oblivious.

"Excuse me," Adeline said quietly, but Malcolm's discussion with Benjamin drowned out her voice.

The business talk flowed like a river, leaving Adeline stranded on the banks, unable to cross. Her research trip hung in the balance, her passion project, waiting for a permission that seemed furtive with each passing moment.

His phone rang at that moment. It was a sharp sound that cut through the silence of the morning. He stood up, apologizing to Benjamin in the process. "Excuse me, son. I have to take this."

Just as Malcolm turned to go, Adeline saw her chance and said in barely audible tones, "Father, may I speak with you for just a second?"

"Make it quick, Adeline. I have an important call," Malcolm said with slightly narrowed eyes.

Benjamin had turned his attention away from his sister at that time to reveal an expression of instinctive curiosity.

Adeline's heart began to thump a little faster. She had been preparing for this whole day, yet the words still wavered. "I ... want permission to go on a research trip for my thesis, and ..."-

Malcolm's face became a little stern. "Adeline, we have already talked about it. Things should now turn to family; no more-the student."

Adeline had not buckled yet even though the strength of her school was waning. "It's important for my research, Father. It's just for a few weeks, and-"

Benjamin interjected in a controlled tone: "Father, perhaps we should hear her out. Adeline's been working hard on her thesis."

Malcolm's gaze travelled from Benjamin back to Adeline. "Very well. I'll listen. But make your case convincing, Adeline. Time is money, and I won't have our family's resources wasted."

Adeline took a deep breath, steeling herself for the upcoming battle.

Malcolm Emily promptly nodded and walked away, the cell phone squashed to his ear; he brushed aside the conversation.

The smooth voice, however, vanished as frustrations and disappointments crossed Adeline's features. She slumped back in her chair with tears filling her eyes.

His brow softened as he reached out his hand over to cover hers. "Hey, don't worry, you'll get your chance," he tells her.

Adeline's voice trembled. "It's always the same. He never listens."

He gripped more tightly. "I'll talk to him later, okay? You work hard and get everything ready. I'll make sure he understands." A glimmer of hope sparked in Adeline's eyes. A faint smile crept upon the lips of the girl as her shoulders relaxed. "Thanks, Ben," she whispered into the void. Benjamin smiled back with an eagle smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling in mirth. The tension vanished to be replaced by the warm embrace of camaraderie. The friendly gaze of Adeline lingered on the grateful gaze of Benjamin, swelling in her chest as it wrote new emotions known to a few people. "I'll get everything ready," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Benjamin nodded, releasing her hand. "I'll handle Father. You focus on your trip." It sparkled in Adeline's eyes as the thrill built up within her. She pushed her chair back, her movements fluid with life. "I'll go pack," she said, her voice filled with renewed purpose. Benjamin chuckled. "You're that sure, huh?" "I trust you, Ben," Adeline's grin widened. With a skip in her stride, Adeline left the breakfast room with a beating heart, such things impossible. The research trip, which had earlier appeared unclear, was becoming a possibility.

Adeline's hands were moving very rapidly packing clothes and books into her suitcase. Somewhere in her mind, Sebastian's smile flickered.

She remembered the chance meeting in the university library. Their laughter, and the chemistry between them.

Her heart raced, and her heartbeat quickened. This was not one of the expected feelings.

Adeline mused folding a sweater and at the same time thought of the research trip. Sebastian would be there, and the thought sent shivers down her spine.

What would it be like spending time with him, in fun?

Adeline's cheeks went red. She would not be able to deny that thrill.

Every item packed, and her anticipation grew higher. This trip was going to be more than academic exploration.

The hands of Adeline moved on autopilot, packing her things while her mind swirled with thoughts about Sebastian. His piercing eyes, chiseled features, and disarming smile invaded her.

A flutter in her chest, a skip in her heartbeat and a warmth throughout her veins-Adeline could not deny the feelings. She felt alive, electrified at the thought of seeing Sebastian.

Sebastian's room was a sanctuary for a learned person. The walls were lined with shelves filled with a collection of books. Papers and notes mixed with open texts littered the desk in utter chaos. The air was heavy with the smell of old books and the waft of freshly brewed coffee.

He was seated in the midst of that volatile clutter and his eyes feasted on the pages of a worn leather-bound book. His mind was racing with connections, theories, and hypotheses.

The research trip was on the horizon, and Sebastian's goal was to penetrate the secrets of the ancient texts.

While he wrote down notes, his mind would often wander to Adeline. Their accidental meeting at the library had created somewhat of a dent.

The memory of her bright smile, infectious laughter, and razor-sharp intellect flashed by.

Sebastian's focus faltered as his gazed prowled across the little note on his desk, the one with Adeline's phone number on it.

He had been tempted to call, so they could compare research, yet he didn't.

Was it too soon?

Then, Sebastian's phone buzzed. From the other end, a message from Dr. Lee confirmed the schedule for the trip.

"Tomorrow, 8 am sharp. Come prepared. We will dig out the secrets."

Adrenaline flooded Sebastian. The more he anticipated it, the longer tomorrow became.

He went back to the notes, increasing the excitement.

All Adeline was doing, however, was packing bags with a heartbeat artificially elevated - and thoughts of him.

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