SWNOVELS Chapter 441: The Closest Distance
When Terrence Sterling returned home, it was already deep into the night. Meredith had been asleep but was startled awake by a nightmare. She sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the keepsakes left by Bianca. In her memories, her mother was still vividly alive, as if she had never left. Hearing footsteps outside, Meredith knew Terrence was back and quickly tucked the keepsakes into a drawer.
Terrence entered with a hint of alcohol on his breath. "Meredith, why aren't you asleep yet?" he asked, trying to keep his steps light to avoid waking her. He had planned to sleep in the guest room but was worried that staying away might cause Meredith undue concern.
"I just woke up," Meredith replied. "Have you been drinking?"
"Just a little," Terrence said as he took off his coat and sat on the edge of the bed. He took Meredith's hand and explained, "The people were very hospitable; it would have been rude not to drink. You go back to sleep. I'll take a shower and say hello to our daughter." Leaning over, he kissed Meredith's belly gently and whispered, "Lucky, are you asleep? Daddy's home."
Meredith smiled at Terrence's endearing behavior. "It's late; our little girl must be asleep by now."
"I'll go take that shower," Terrence said, also concerned about the alcohol smell bothering Meredith.
With Terrence home, Meredith felt at ease and lay down to rest. Soon after, Terrence, fresh from the shower, slipped into bed and cuddled up behind her, his hand resting on her belly, holding the two most important people in his world, which gave him immense comfort. His fingertips gently caressed her stomach, feeling the happiest a man could be.
With her loved one by her side, Meredith had a beautiful dream about their baby being born, adorable and chubby, stretching out tiny chubby hands and softly calling, "Mama, mama." Meredith smiled in her sleep, a sight that made Terrence smile too.
The next day.
Terrence joined Meredith for breakfast. Rick and the driver were already waiting outside. After breakfast, Terrence left for the day. Once in the car, Rick reported, "Mr. Sterling, I've looked into Ethan Channing. Apart from being the hidden owner of the CC club, he controls over a dozen companies. He returned from abroad ten years ago, is now thirty-five, started from scratch, is unmarried, and has no other family. He keeps to himself, except for his close acquaintance with Joy Chaucer, whom he's known for two years. Ethan Channing is elusive and keeps a low profile, with not much information available."
"Check all his holding companies, their business dealings, and financial flows," Terrence commanded coldly.
"Mr. Sterling, are you looking to see if Ethan Channing's companies have any involvement with Sterling Corporation?" Rick speculated.
"I met Ethan Channing last night. He's not as straightforward as Joy Chaucer. These two mixing together, the reasons aren't clear yet. Keep someone on them," Terrence instructed, sensing that Ethan Channing wasn't simply an admirer of Joy Chaucer but a man with larger ambitions.
As for what Ethan Channing was plotting, Terrence was not yet sure.
"Yes, Mr. Sterling," Rick acknowledged.
Later, Meredith, accompanied by Selene, went to the mall to shop for the unborn baby. When they reached the commercial street, they found it crowded with onlookers.
"Selene, go see what's happening," Meredith said.
"Okay." Selene checked and returned shortly. "It's the French delegation; the road has been closed for safety, no pedestrians allowed."
"The French delegation?" Meredith tiptoed for a better view and saw members of the delegation with local government officials exiting the commercial street. As the police began clearing the road, Meredith and Selene stepped aside. As the delegation approached, Prince Darcy DuMont came within a few meters of Meredith and looked her way, their eyes meeting. That momentary glance left Darcy DuMont visibly stunned, memories flickering through his mind, his expression turning solemn as he unconsciously stepped toward Meredith.