Bab 20: Conflict Of Interest

Jonathan did not come to work that day, and even though he had some meetings scheduled with foreign clients, he decided to send the best of his representatives to do the work for him. He went to Noughton's, and visited Cathy before she could get to work. They were to have a wonderful breakfast in the balcony, which Jennifer had prepared for the lovers. "Thank you, Mrs. Mills," he said to Jennifer. "I want you to know that I love your daughter very much." He finally said what she had been meaning to hear. When he came in earlier, in his dark blue V neck long sleeves and white pants, he seemed to be simpler and looked a lot better than when in his daily business suit. "I appreciate your efforts. I just hope that you will keep up. Our family is a lot unlike yours, you know that, right?" He nodded, as she placed some plates on the table. Then there were some footsteps coming from the staircase, which was made of wood. "Good morning!" The beautiful lady was wearing her sleepwear, which was a pink glossy satin knee-length dress. Her hair in a bun, her cheeks as pink as rose. Jennifer went, leaving the two behind. "Good morning dear, have a good breakfast," she told her. She smiled at Jon, and made her way back into the house. The moment she walked in, Jon held her face and kissed her, then led her to the coffee table. He pulled a chair, she took her seat and then he took his. There were smiles, as they dug into their simple but romantic breakfast. Silence broke when Jon said, "Catie, I guess you'll need to file a resignation," he told her. She was about to take a bite of the pancake, but she put the fork down, "Why? Is it because of Vivian?" He held her hand and calmed her, "It's not your fault, but there is a conflict of interest." She started panicking, "What do I do? How are we supposed to live?" He handed her over a copy of a written document, "This is what you need to focus on." It was a year's scholarship to University of Southern California, to whatever field of study she may like. Her eyes lit up, her heart pounded, her head full of questions. She looked at him, "But how?" He laughed and said to her, "I got you, Catie. I know how much you wanted to finish your studies to help your mom," he glanced at Jennifer through the window, then fixed his eyes on Cathy. "My future mother-in-law will surely be proud," he said to her. Cathy did not know what to say. Her mind is filled with questions, doubts, and her heart, will an indescribable feeling of wonder towards him. He wants her to pursue her degree, because he wants his future mother in law to be proud. "Um," she paused for a bit and continued, "I'd want to, but I don't have resources, and I don't want to bother you with this, or with anything." Jon took the paper from her hands and placed it in a folder, in a bag that he placed under his seat. "We can talk about it later, in the meantime let us finish our food." He gave her a very comforting smile, and the two went on with their meal.