C63 I Trust Her Judgment

Peter walked closer, ignoring Mark completely. “So tell me… what are these boys like?” Alicia smiled. “One is very serious. The other is… very protective.”

Mark immediately interrupted. “That already sounds like trouble.” Peter raised a hand. “Let her finish.” Mark exhaled, clearly frustrated but silent.

Alicia continued. “They call the serious one Mike… and the other one Chris. They’re actually kind people. Especially Mike.” Mark frowned again. “Alicia, I said no unnecessary involvement.”

Alicia leaned forward. “Dad, I didn’t do anything. I just had lunch.” Peter nodded slowly. “Then there is no problem.”

Mark turned sharply. “Father…” But Peter didn’t even look at him. Instead, he spoke calmly. “I trust her judgment more than panic.” Mark went silent immediately.

Alicia smiled slightly, she knew that tone. Peter continued, still gentle but firm. “However… if she says she feels safe with them, then I want to know who they are.”

Mark immediately frowned. “That’s not necessary..” Peter raised his hand again. “I’ll make a few calls.” Alicia blinked. “Grandpa, you don’t have to…” “I want to,” Peter interrupted kindly. “Just to be sure.”

Alicia told them everything that had happened earlier that afternoon. She explained how she had ended up sitting with Mike and Chris at the café and how the photograph of them shaking hands had unexpectedly started trending inside the company.

While speaking, she occasionally paused, unsure of some of the terms Mike and Chris had used when they were explaining things to her. But she still managed to describe the situation clearly.

At the mention of the trending photo, a few people in the room immediately leaned closer to check their phones, trying to find it for themselves.