C322 The Gathering

At Lucia Goods, Employees were moving between departments, carrying documents, answering calls, and preparing for the shortened working day. Although everyone knew that the Training Hall would officially open, nobody knew exactly what to expect. Outside the main entrance, the security guard was sitting in his booth, keeping a close eye on everyone entering the premises. Suddenly, three luxury cars approached the entrance one after another.

The first was a Mercedes-Benz. Behind it came a Rolls-Royce. And finally, a BMW. The security guard immediately straightened in his chair. He stared at the three vehicles as they approached the gate. For a moment, he wondered whether something serious had happened. Why are so many expensive cars arriving together? He quickly opened the gate. The Mercedes-Benz entered first, followed closely by the Rolls-Royce and then the BMW. The security guard stepped outside, preparing to greet whoever was inside.

But when the first car stopped and the occupants stepped out, his expression changed. He recognized them. These were the same people who had visited Lucia Goods with the Director during the renovations. He immediately bowed slightly. “Good morning, Directors.” Sarah smiled politely. “Good morning.” Samantha and Chris also greeted him before the three continued toward the building. The security guard watched them disappear through the entrance. Only then did he breathe out.

At first, he had thought something terrible had happened. Instead, it seemed the company's most important guests had simply arrived. Inside the reception area, Faith was busy organizing some documents when she suddenly noticed the three arriving. She froze. She immediately recognized Sarah, Chris and Samantha. Most employees might not have known exactly who they were, but Faith had heard enough about them. They were executives from Wood IT Company.

She quickly stood up and walked toward them. “Good morning, Director Wood.” She looked at Samantha. “Good morning, Vice Director Wood.” Finally, she looked at Chris. “Good morning, Vice Director Chambers.” The three exchanged confused glances. Sarah smiled. “Good morning.” Chris nodded. Samantha also greeted her politely. Faith smiled nervously. “How may I help you? Is there something you need?” Sarah shook her head. “No, don't worry. We are here for the opening of the Training Hall.”

Faith froze again. “The Training Hall?” Sarah nodded. “Yes.” Faith immediately understood. “Oh, of course.” She bowed slightly. “I will inform the Director that you have arrived.” She turned around and took two steps before suddenly remembering something. She quickly turned back. “Directors, before I go, could you please sign the visitors' register?” She handed them the register. Sarah accepted it first. She carefully wrote her name. Sarah Chambers. Then she signed beside it.

Chris took the register next. However, the moment he looked down and saw Sarah's name, a wide grin appeared on his face. He looked at Sarah. “Sarah Chambers?” Sarah looked at him suspiciously. “What?” Chris laughed. “Nothing.” He quickly wrote his own name. Christopher Chambers. He handed the register to Samantha. Samantha looked at Sarah's name and immediately laughed. “Should we start calling you Director Chambers from now on?” Sarah laughed. “You already call me that at work.” “I mean officially,” Samantha teased.

Sarah shook her head. “You two are impossible.” Chris laughed. “She's just jealous.” “Jealous of what?” Samantha asked. “Nothing.” Chris quickly walked away. Samantha rolled her eyes and signed the register before handing it back to Faith. Faith smiled. “Thank you. Please have a seat while you wait. I will inform the Director immediately. Our staff can also prepare some tea for you.” Sarah nodded. “Thank you.” Faith took the register and returned to her desk.

She had barely sat down after calling the director when another person entered the reception area. Faith looked up. It was Laura. “Good morning, Miss. How can I help you?” Laura smiled and pointed toward the waiting area. “I am with them.” Faith looked toward Sarah, Samantha and Chris. “Oh, I see.” She picked up the register again and handed it to Laura. “Please sign here as well.” Laura nodded. She took the register and wrote. Laura Gomez. Faith's eyes immediately widened.

She looked at the surname. Gomez? She slowly looked toward Laura. Then she looked at the three executives already waiting. First the Wood family. Now the Gomez family. Faith couldn't help but wonder what exactly was happening inside the Training Hall. She whispered to herself, “The Director really knows some powerful people.” She shook her head and returned her attention to her work. What is going to happen in that Training Hall this afternoon? She couldn't wait to find out.

In the waiting area, Chris immediately noticed Laura approaching. He grinned. “At least you know that you have to come alone.” Laura stopped. She looked at him. “What?” Chris laughed. “I mean, you came without your husband.” Laura rolled her eyes before greeting Sarah and Samantha. “Good morning.” “Good morning,” Sarah replied. Samantha smiled. Laura then turned toward Chris. “You're still upset with my husband?” Chris's expression immediately changed. “No.” Laura raised an eyebrow. “No?”

Chris crossed his arms. “I'm not upset.” Laura smiled. “Then why do you look like that?” Chris sighed. “It's complicated.” Laura laughed. “You still haven't forgiven him, have you?” Chris shook his head. “No. I will never forgive him.” Sarah and Samantha immediately laughed. Laura looked at him in disbelief. “As if your forgiveness is something he asked for.” Chris grinned. “He should ask.” Laura shook her head. “He only asked Mike to forgive him. He never asked you.” Chris smiled proudly. “Exactly.” Laura stared at him. “And that is why you won't forgive him?” “Yes.”

The three women burst into laughter. Chris looked at them, completely serious. “What? He hurt my brother.” Laura shook her head. “You're impossible.” Sarah smiled. “That's Chris.” Samantha nodded. “Unfortunately.” Chris looked at both of them. “Unfortunately?” They laughed again. Laura sat down beside them. For a few moments, the atmosphere became relaxed. Despite everything happening around them the danger, the Harris family, the murdered Maguire family and the unknown future ahead. There was something comforting about being together.

None of them knew exactly what the Training Hall would bring. None of them knew how much their lives were about to change. But for now, they were simply friends sitting together, waiting for Alicia and Mike. And somewhere inside Lucia Goods, preparations for the most unusual opening the company had ever seen were already underway.