"Wait, hold the door!" Vernon yelled as he rushed to catch up with Chloe and Mackie, who were already standing in the elevator.
Chloe held the door for Vernon, and Vernon dashed in to join them.
The elevator door closed, and they went down together.
Vernon looked at Mackie, who was holding Mommy's hand. She smiled at him and asked, "Uncle, why are you in a hurry? Are you going to be late too?"
….
Again, Vernon swallowed his pride. For the first time in his life, he wanted to give a little girl something that would make her happy.
He clenched his fist and said, "I'm sorry I can't come to your play."
Vernon glanced at Chloe, who looked back at him helplessly.
He knew that Chloe was reasonable this time. He couldn't come even if he wanted to because the risk of encountering Vincent was too big, and it would harm everyone since Vincent was very unpredictable.
But he still wanted to compensate.