C318 How Many People Were There

Alicia smiled. “Husband, don't worry. They know why I was upset. As for everything else, you will find out this afternoon.” I looked at her, still confused. “What does that mean? What is going to happen this afternoon?” She stopped what she was doing and looked at me. “I called that number last night.” I immediately remembered the tears in her eyes. “The number from your mother's diary?” She nodded. “Yes. I called it.” “And?”

Alicia took a small breath. “The person who answered the phone thought I was my mother.” I stared at her. “He thought you were Gabrielle?” “Yes.” For a moment, neither of us spoke. “And that's why you were crying?” Alicia nodded slowly. “He called me his child. He said he had been told that my mother was dead. He sounded so happy when he heard my voice.” I could see the sadness returning to her face. “But he didn't know who I was.” I moved closer and gently took her hand. “So you are meeting him?” She nodded. “This afternoon.”

I looked at her carefully. “You are meeting him or we are we meeting him?” She smiled. “We are.” “Why me?” She raised an eyebrow. “Because you're my husband.” I smiled. “So there are no secrets between us?” “None.” I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a hug. “I love you, wife.” She immediately blushed. “What? When was the last time you said that?” I laughed. “I just said it.” “That doesn't answer my question.” “Well, then I'll say it again.”

I looked directly into her eyes. “I love you, Alicia Smith.” Her cheeks became even redder. “I love you too, Michael Smith.” I laughed softly. “Alright, let me stop disturbing you. I'll go and plan everything for this afternoon.” She nodded. “Okay.” I turned toward the door, but before leaving I looked back at her. “Don't overwork yourself.” She smiled. “I won't.” I left her office, already thinking about everything we would need to do later.

At the Wood IT Company, Sarah sat inside her office reviewing the proposal from the Spanish National Bank. Several documents were spread across her desk. She carefully went through the figures, checking the requirements one more time. A faint knock came from the door. “Come in.” The door opened and Josh entered. He smiled politely. “Good morning, Director.” “Good morning, Josh.” He walked toward her desk and placed a document in front of her. “I have the finalized list of the twelve employees who will participate in the foreign-language programme alongside you.”

Sarah picked up the paper. She slowly went through the names. “Twelve people.” “Yes, Director.” She nodded approvingly. “Good. Now that the list is confirmed, I can arrange an online tutor.” She placed the document down. “We have already wasted enough time. This project needs to move quickly.” Josh nodded. “Understood.” He turned around and began walking toward the door. “Josh.” He stopped. “Yes, Director?” Sarah looked up from the document. “So, Mr. Tryon…” Josh immediately became cautious. “Yes?” “Did your daughter finally call you?” Josh froze.

For a second, he didn't know what to say. “My daughter?” Sarah smiled. “Laura.” Josh slowly turned around. “Oh… yes.” Sarah raised an eyebrow. “She called?” “Yes, Director.” Josh hesitated before asking, “Wait. Did you ask her to call me?” Sarah shook her head. “No.” Josh looked confused. “Then how…” “We spoke about it.” Sarah smiled. “Don't worry. She has forgiven you.” Josh's expression softened. “Really?” “Yes.” He smiled with relief. “Thank you, Director.” Sarah nodded. “You're welcome.” Josh bowed slightly before leaving.

However, the moment he stepped into the corridor, his smile disappeared. He stopped walking. “Laura never mentioned Sarah during our call.” He frowned. Then he remembered what Laura had told him. “She said Mike went with Alicia.” He rubbed his chin. “And she said she went with Bright.” He paused. “But then where did Sarah come from?” His confusion grew. “And Chris?” Josh's eyes widened slightly. “Mike and Chris are practically inseparable. Did Chris go as well?” He slowly shook his head. “How many people actually went to that outing?”

The more he thought about it, the more suspicious he became. Eventually, he reached the Cybersecurity Department. Instead of returning to his own office, he immediately headed toward Bright's office. He pushed the door open. Bright was sitting behind his desk, completely focused on his work. He didn't even notice Josh entering. The only thing he heard was the sound of the door closing. Bright looked up. “Team Manager?” Josh stood directly in front of his desk. Bright smiled politely. “What brings you here?”

Josh didn't waste any time. “You went to the outing with my daughter, didn't you?” Bright nodded. “Yes.” Josh folded his arms. “Mike went with Alicia?” “Yes.” Josh nodded slowly. “Sarah went too?” Bright's expression changed slightly. Josh noticed immediately. “Who did she go with?” Bright remained silent. Josh continued. “And what about Chris?” Bright suddenly coughed. “Chris?” “Yes. Chris. He and Mike are inseparable. Did he go there with someone as well?” Bright coughed again. Josh stared at him. “Why are you coughing?”

Bright shook his head. “I'm not.” “You clearly are.” Bright tried to hide his smile. Josh stepped closer. “Come on. Tell me.” Bright leaned back in his chair. “Father-in-law, how can I tell you such big secrets?” Josh frowned. “Big secrets?” Bright laughed. “What if I get fired for revealing them?” Josh stared at him. “You think I'm going to fire you?” Bright shrugged. “I don't know. You're the father of one of the people involved.” Josh narrowed his eyes. “Bright…” Bright laughed. “I'm joking.”

Josh remained serious. “I want to know how many people were actually there.” Bright looked at him for a moment. Then Josh changed his approach. “Fine.” He pulled out a chair and sat down. “Forget about who went with whom. Did you enjoy the reunion?” Bright smiled. “Yes.” “How many people were there?” Bright answered without thinking. “It was fun. We really had a good time.” Josh waited. Bright continued. “There were six of us…”

He suddenly stopped. His eyes widened. Josh smiled. “Six?” Bright froze. Josh stood up. “Alright. Thank you, Bright.” He turned around and walked toward the door. Bright remained completely still. “Wait…” He slowly covered his face with his hands. “Did I just expose their secret?”