The Visitor

"The Chambers family donated fifteen million dollars' worth of lab equipment to the school last month, right?" asked Simon.

"Did he find out I pocketed some cash from that deal and ask me here to grill me?" Patrick, no rookie, felt uneasy but didn't think Simon had caught on. He replied cautiously, "Yes, Mr. Sunderland. I've got it covered. Is there anything else you need from me?"

"The daughter they found is named Yvette?" Simon pressed.

Patrick was confused. "Since when did Mr. Sunderland start caring about gossip? Yvette was just found recently. I heard she hasn't had much schooling and might have a hard time graduating from Argrol University. Is there something specific you want to know about her?" He shared everything he knew.

If not for the letter in his hand, Simon wouldn't have worried. The Chambers family had kept a low profile, and he was happy to help enroll their newly found daughter. But the email instructed him to deliver the admission notice to Yvette at the Chambers residence, and that daughter was named Yvette.

"Who exactly is this Yvette? Is she really just the daughter the Chambers family found? What's her connection to the mysterious Siren?" Simon pondered. One thing was clear: Yvette was key to learning more about Siren. "Patrick, I need you to personally deliver this envelope to Yvette."

Patrick was stunned. "Yvette is just the long-lost daughter of the Chambers family. What makes her so special that Mr. Sunderland sends a letter for her? Mr. Sunderland, are you sure it's for Yvette?"

Simon paused, his coffee cup hanging mid-air. Noticing Patrick's apparent confusion, Simon glared impatiently. Patrick, understanding the urgency, quickly left the Principal's office.

As dean at Argrol University, Patrick was a well-known figure. At the Chambers residence, Lucas welcomed him. "What brings you here, Mr. Williams? This is quite unexpected."

Patrick was pleased by the personal greeting. Two months prior, Zachary had sent Lucas to handle Yvette's enrollment, resulting in much back-and-forth. They understood their arrangement and exchanged pleasantries.

"Is the young lady Mr. Zachary Chambers recently found here?" Patrick inquired.

Lucas was confused. "Why are you asking about Ms. Zeller? You're here for her? Why is he suddenly asking about Ms. Zeller? They don't seem connected. Did something happen at Argrol University?"

Unsure of Simon's intentions, Patrick hoped the letter would provide clarity. Ignoring Lucas's questioning gaze, he said, "I'm not really sure what's going on. I just came here to deliver a letter to Ms. Zeller from Mr. Sunderland."

Lucas was shocked. Simon, a major figure in national education and a significant contributor to Argrol University, had sent a letter to Yvette, delivered by Patrick?

Zachary was equally astonished. Simon had sent Patrick himself? He wouldn't believe it if anyone else told him.

If Patrick had come alone, Zachary wouldn't have greeted him. But Simon's involvement warranted his attention.

In the living room, Patrick sipped Blue Mountain Coffee, impressed by the Chambers' wealth. He regretted not negotiating a better deal regarding Yvette's enrollment.

Patrick tried to hide his greed, but his eyes betrayed him. Lucas noticed and felt disdain. Weaknesses make him easier to handle, he thought.

As Patrick spoke with Lucas and mentioned Yvette's name, a voice called from the staircase, "Looking for me?"

Patrick turned sharply, his eyes narrowing.