Chapter 476
Chapter 476
Morning arrived as it always did. Althea tried to act as normal as possible, even though a heavy sense of worry still wrapped around her heart. This morning, she hoped-quietly, desperately, that there would be news from Arsen about her husband.
At the Miller family home, Althea sat at the dining table with Josh and Grace. She forced a smile, making sure breakfast went on as usual. Nothing was overlooked-not for Riana, not for Nathan. Althea had always been someone who made sure everyone received the best.
Not long after, they moved to the living room to spend time together. Nathan had been busy with his tablet since early morning. Josh and Grace were focused on their schoolbooks. Even though they’d been asked not to attend school until things were far more stable, they were still expected to keep up with all their lessons.
In front of them, the television remained on-muted.
Just as Althea was about to sit down and study with them, her phone rang sharply. At first, she tried to ignore it, but the ring kept demanding her attention. Finally, she glanced at the name flashing on the screen.
Arsen.
The timing couldn’t have been more exact.
“Yes, Arsen p>
“Ma’am,” the voice on the other end trembled, as if something had gone terribly wrong. “I hope you haven’t seen the news. It would be better if Grace-and especially Josh-didn’t wa p>
Unfortunately, the warning came too late.
The flat screen had already filled with something that made Althea’s heart feel as if it had stopped beating.
PROTEST ERUPTS IN FRONT OF CALLISTER GROUP HEADQUARTERS. DEMANDS FOR CEO TO STEP DOWN FOR
COMPANY STABILITY.
EMPLOYEES FLOOD THE CALLISTER GROUP LOBBY. SECURITY STRUGGLES TO MAINTAIN ORDER.
PROTESTERS DEMAND DAVEN CALLISTER TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COMPANY’S INSTABILITY.
Althea’s eyes widened. Even with the television muted, the scenes unfolding on-screen made everything unmistakably clear. Arsen’s voice kept calling her name on the phone, but she didn’t respond at all. The call remained connected until-
“Josh,” Lydia called calmly, placing a gentle hand on Althea’s shoulder. “Could you continue your studies in the study room? Take your sister with you p>
At first, Josh wanted to ask his mother a thousand questions. But seeing how shocked and unfocused she looked, he relented. Lydia was right. He needed to step away for now-with his sister.
“Okay.” He gathered his schoolbooks, then helped Grace tidy up her drawing supplies. Two attentive staff members quickly stepped in to assist them. But just before Josh truly left the living room, he turned and spoke to Lydia.
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Chapter 476
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“Aunt Lydia, please tell me what’s happening to my dad p>
Lydia offered a small, reassuring smile. “I will. I’ll tell you soon p>
They left the living room together. Nathan, who had been busy with his tablet, immediately approached Althea and Lydia.
“Thank you for stepping in, Lydia,” Nathan said, patting the shoulder of his future daughter-in-law.
“I couldn’t let Josh think of Daven as an irresponsible man,” Lydia replied. “And I’m sure Althea doesn’t want the children worrying too much about this either. Josh is old enough—he can already think logically p>
Althea let out a shaky breath, still unsure how to react. If it hadn’t been for Lydia, she didn’t know how she would get through this moment.
“You should try to calm yourself first, Althea,” Nathan said gently. “This isn’t happening without reason. Chris is on his way to Daven’s office-he’ll discuss many things with Arsen p>
“What Daddy Nathan says is right, Althea,” Lydia added softly. “You should try to steady yourself first p>
“How can I stay calm?” Althea exhaled deeply. Her expression showed anxiety, fear, shock, and too many emotions crashing at once. “The accusations against him aren’t even resolved yet, and now they’re asking him to step down? What did Daven do wrong p>
“I know you’re overwhelmed,” Nathan said wisely. “But we still have to think clearly p>
“I want to see Arsen p>
Lydia intervened patiently. “Don’t act rashly. It’s better if we wait at home for further news, all right p>
“But I can’t just sit here like this, Lydia,” Althea insisted. “I’m sure there’s something I can do for Daven p>
“I know,” Lydia said, pulling Althea into a gentle embrace and guiding her to sit on the sofa beside her. She wasn’t going to leave Althea like this. To Lydia, Althea was already like a sister.
“But the situation there looks chaotic,” Lydia continued. “If you go without any preparation, wouldn’t that just make things worse p>
Althea clasped her hands together, restless.
“I’ll go there,” Nathan said with a faint smile. “I just got word from Chris-the situation in the lobby is under control now. I need to meet someone to manage this p>
“But, Daddy p>
Nathan lifted a hand, stopping Althea from interrupting him. “Don’t think I’m burdened because of you. Not at all. It’s my responsibility to back Daven up-he’s a partner TNC Group can rely on p>
Althea looked at Nathan with tear-filled eyes. “Thank you, Dad p>
“I’ve told
you over and over-you don’t need to thank me,” Nathan grumbled, then laughed. “You’d better stay with Josh and Grace while they work on their assignments, Althea. You too, Lydia p>
“Of course p>
Mark