Harold fantasized about meeting Kieran. He ran various lines in his head, trying to find the best way to butter her up without offending her.
He was still racking his brain when Trina said, “Master Kieran is more prestigious than Master Orson. Connecting with her will erase the humiliation we suffered from Bonnie and Master Orson.”
Yolanda agreed wholeheartedly, “You’re right. If we can kiss up to Master Kiera, we can flaunt it to them and restore our pride. Although Master Orson is a fantastic artist with plenty of fans, he is a poor judge of character for choosing to take Bonnie’s side.
“We have no reason to entertain him anymore. Once we’ve connected with Master Kieran, we’ll brag about it to Master Orson to humiliate him.”
“That’s the spirit, you two. You better bring your A-game. Whatever you do, don’t drop the ball,” Harold said as he watched Bailey. The former would not miss the chance to butter Kieran up. “Understood, Grandpa,” Trina responded.
Yolanda echoed, “Don’t worry about it. Since it concerns our family, I won’t be able to forgive myself if I drop the ball.”
Harold nodded, pleased with their responses. “Nicely said.”
Afterward, the trio stared at the private rooms in the hallway, fervently guessing Kieran’s room and wondering when she would leave. However, they were not the only ones eager to meet her. Orson was also waiting for Kieran. He even reached the restaurant several hours earlier than the designated meeting time.
Although he was an older man, he behaved more like a youngster. He stood before the mirror in the private room and adjusted his tie before touching up his appearance. He feared he was underdressed for the occasion. The last thing he wanted was for Kieran to think less of him.
Then, he looked in the mirror and reminded himself not to give up on his goal.
‘Bonnie told me Kieran isn’t interested in taking on apprentices. Still, Kieran hasn’t met me in person. If anything, she only met me when I was three. Perhaps she no longer remembers me. That’s why I must show her how capable I am now. I might have a shot at becoming her apprentice.’
Orson felt better once he thought of it that way.
‘There’s one thing, though. I’ve been waiting for Kieran for a long while now. I wonder what’s taking her so long.’
With that in mind, he checked his watch and counted the time. He could not help but grumble internally, ‘Come on, Kieran. Hurry up already. I’ve been waiting forever.’
Orson stood and sat repeatedly from anxiety when he heard sounds outside the door. His eyes sparkled, and his anxiety disappeared as he shot up from his chair and marched to the door. He could not wait fo the person outside to enter. Hence, he opened the door and welcomed her.
“You’re finally here, Master Kieran-” Orson froze, and his excited smile faded as he looked at the person before him. “M-Master Bonnie?! What are you doing here?”
He peered outside and checked the hallway, hoping to see someone else. He could not help but feel disappointed when he noticed Bonnie was alone.
“Where’s Master Kieran? Is she busy? Is that why she told you to come here and pass on her message again?” Orson looked behind Bonnie again, unwilling to accept that she came alone.
However, he had looked several times, and Bonnie was still the only person there. He could keep up his smile earlier, but his enthusiasm had plummeted.
