It's Your Turn To Cry and Beg, Dear Uncle
Chapter 55: Each With Their Own Moves

Chapter 55: Each With Their Own Moves

They say time flies when you’re having fun. Maybe that’s why the clock’s hands seemed stuck in place, even though the second hand kept ticking away endlessly.

Killian was running out of patience with the elderly couple in front of him, especially Hestia, who wouldn’t stop talking. However, he wasn’t a senior secretary at Synders Corporation for nothing. For over two hours, Killian maintained his professional smile and adeptly responded to the relentless stream of questions from Hestia and Harry.

"Are Mr. Creighton and Mrs. Jane doing well in the capital?" Hestia asked as she poured more tea for Killian. In honor of hosting James’ personal secretary, Hestia had brought out the premium tea set specially ordered by Jane and brewed chamomile tea imported directly from London. She wanted Killian to enjoy his time while chatting with them.

Meanwhile, despite his face muscles stiffening, Killian kept smiling and replied briefly, "Mr. and Mrs. Creighton are doing well at Wisteria Mansion."

"Oh, it’s been so long since I last saw Wisteria Mansion. I visited only once, and even though it was brief, the place left quite an impression on me. Is Roman still working there?" Hestia asked enthusiastically, showing no sign of tiring from her endless questions.

On the other hand, Harry was silently observing Killian from the side. Even though his wife had shown him James’ message verifying Killian as his secretary, Harry couldn’t shake off the bad feeling in his heart.

Perhaps he was being overly judgmental, but the fact that Killian had taken his grandson on a tour of the mansion without notifying anyone seemed rather odd and lacking in basic courtesy. Wasn’t it common etiquette to ask for permission first?

As a result, Harry couldn’t help but glare sharply at Killian, his expression far from friendly. His brow furrowed, and his overall demeanor was grim, like a man suppressing his anger. Of course, Killian noticed this, and he quickly deduced that among these four people, Harry was the most perceptive.

Killian discreetly observed Harry from the corner of his eye. He pondered what explanation he should give Creighton later, as it seemed that Harry would surely report back to his master.

’A truly loyal watchdog,’ Killian mocked silently.

Meanwhile, Hestia continued chattering innocently, "And how about young Master James and Miss Kyra? It’s been a long time since they visited. They didn’t even come during the last holiday, especially Miss Kyra. She used to visit often, even when it wasn’t a holiday."

The old woman let out a long sigh while resting her hand on her cheek. A worried expression crossed her face, but disappointment was far more evident.

"When children grow up, they do get busier with their own affairs. It makes me sad to think they’ve forgotten their grandparents. You could say I was also their caretaker here, so I’m equally disappointed."

Killian pressed his lips together, still working hard to maintain his smile. He had lost count of how many cups of tea he had drunk. Any moment now, he would likely have to excuse himself to the restroom.

Inwardly, he took a deep breath and contemplated hypnotizing this entire family just to silence them. Listening to the old woman’s rambling felt like an utter waste of time. From the beginning, what did her feelings of disappointment have to do with him?

Eventually, Hestia got to the main point. "Mr. Killian, could you pass on a message from us to young Master James and Miss Kyra? I could call or send a message, but nothing beats speaking directly, don’t you think?"

Killian pursed his lips, preparing to reject, but before he could, Hestia spoke again. This time, her suggestion was utterly absurd. "Oh! How about I go with you back to the capital?"

Killian was stumped to silence, while Harry nearly choked on the pastry he had just eaten.

"Hey, old woman! Are you out of your mind? Why would you suddenly suggest something like that? We’ve been tasked with taking care of this mansion by the master and madam! And what would you even do by going to the capital?" Harry asked, his voice slightly raised while his tone showed impatience.

Hestia pouted. "I already told you—to visit young Master James and Miss Kyra! I miss them. The master and madam haven’t returned or sent any news either. Aren’t you worried?"

Contrary to Hestia’s expectations, Harry, who was forever the loyal and trusting servant to his employers, merely snorted. He replied indifferently, "No. Why should I worry? Besides, no news is usually good news."

Hestia became exasperated and smacked Harry on the shoulder. "You’re impossible, old man! You’ve always been so cold towards the kids!"

Feeling a headache coming on, Killian cleared his throat to draw the attention of the elderly couple. Smiling politely, he said, "I’m sorry, ma’am, but I’m afraid I can’t do that. It would be best for you to contact Mr. Creighton first or reach out to young Master James and Miss Kyra directly. However, I wouldn’t recommend doing so in the near future, as both of them are quite busy."

...Yes, busy at the hospital.

But he wouldn’t say that, knowing Hestia would only become more frantic. Killian also seized the opportunity to end this meaningless conversation. He had been delayed here long enough.

"Well then, my apologies, but it seems I need to leave now," Killian said, adjusting his suit as he spoke. Without waiting for Hestia’s response, he immediately stood and began to make his way out.

"Wait," Hestia called out, clearly flustered. She stood up as well, trying to stop Killian again. "Why are you in such a hurry? It’s still early in the day. You should rest for a while. Isn’t the journey from the capital to here quite long? You must be tired going back and forth in one day, right?"

This time, however, Killian wasn’t willing to compromise. He reached for his trench coat and gave a slight bow. "Thank you for the hospitality. The tea was delicious, and you don’t need to worry about me. I’m used to long trips thanks to working under young Master James. Besides, I’ve already been held up here for quite some time—almost two and a half hours—so I must get back. There’s still much work to do."

Hestia fell silent, taking in the young man’s measured calculation of his time. She wasn’t entirely insensitive, especially when Killian stated it so plainly. He seemed annoyed that she had detained him despite his busy schedule.

But what could she do? Hestia had been thrilled to host a guest after so long, especially someone so close to James. She felt it was her duty to better acquaint herself with someone working so closely with their young master.

Meanwhile, Harry, who had already sensed that Killian was irritated by his wife’s endless questions, didn’t try to stop him. The older man stood up, opened the door for Killian, and extended his hand for a handshake.

"Alright, we won’t hold you up any longer, sir. It was nice meeting you. Please travel safely," Harry said as he shook Killian’s hand. Then, he leaned in slightly to whisper, "Thanks for humoring my wife."

Killian smiled. "You’re welcome."

After that, Harry and Hestia accompanied Killian to the front gate. They stood there until his car disappeared from view. Only then did Harry pull out his phone and immediately dial the old master’s number.

****

"Why did it take you so long to report back? I was worried you’d been caught," James said on the other end of the line, his voice tinged with frustration.

He had been secretly anxious earlier when Killian called him asking for the password to his grandfather’s safe. And worse, Killian had demanded he think fast because the staff at his grandfather’s house were looking for him. What on earth had his trusted secretary been doing there to arouse such suspicion?

Killian was equally annoyed by his boss’s complaints but remained professional as he responded, "If I’m not mistaken, her name is Hestia. The old woman at your grandfather’s house dragged me into having tea just to ask about young Master James and Miss Kyra. She even nearly decided to come back with me to the capital."

James was left speechless. He immediately knew who it was. There was only one person he could think of who was that nosy—Aunt Hestia. And as for the one who had been suspicious of Killian, it must have been Uncle Harry.

Fortunately, James had always managed his grandparents’ insurance, deposits, and other details alongside their family lawyer. So, he had no trouble guessing his grandfather’s password.

"Did you get the document?"

Killian nodded. "Yes. I’ll update you further once I’m back in the capital."

"Alright, as usual, you can take the overtime bonus. And tomorrow, you can start work in the afternoon."

Satisfied that everything had been handled, James calmly ended the call. Just as he did, Kyra walked out of the bathroom and approached him.

"Who was that on the phone?" Kyra asked, her gaze scrutinizing James.

"My secretary, Killian. He was just giving me an update on work," James replied casually before pulling her into his arms. He kissed the top of her head gently.

’The first phase of the plan is almost complete. We’re one step closer to being legally recognized as a couple, Kyra.’

Meanwhile, Creighton, who was playing chess with a friend, had just ended a call with his house staff, Harry. He sat in silence for a moment, his expression darkening as he stared at the phone in his hand.

His friend, noticing the change in Creighton’s demeanor, didn’t comment. Instead, he picked up a cigar from the ashtray, took a puff, and waited for about five minutes before speaking.

"Are you out of moves, or are you just hesitating on your next one, old friend?" his military buddy quipped, breaking Creighton’s train of thought.

A meaningful smile spread across Creighton’s aged face as he lifted his head. He set his phone down and reached for the teapot, pouring himself a cup. Slowly, he sipped his tea, his gaze fixed on the chessboard, partially obscured by the rising steam.

"Well?" his friend pressed again, cigar still glowing between his fingers.

Creighton smiled as he placed his cup down. "I’m merely considering whether this pawn should be sacrificed."

His friend responded with hearty laughter. "You’ve always been a master strategist. But remember your age. Our minds aren’t as sharp as they used to be, so you’ll need to tread carefully."

Creighton nodded, taking the advice in stride. "I understand. That’s why I’m taking my time to decide my next move."

His friend chuckled. "Exactly. One misstep, and my next move will checkmate you."

Creighton clicked his tongue. "You’re too arrogant, my friend."

Killian glanced at his phone briefly as he continued driving. He had expected Creighton to call shortly after his conversation with James ended. Yet, half an hour had passed, and the phone remained silent.

Furrowing his brow, Killian wondered if his prediction had been wrong.

Letting out a long sigh, he glanced at the brown folder resting on the passenger seat beside him. His eyes darkened.

No matter. The important thing is I’ve found a lead about the accident.