Chapter 130: Christmas Reunion

Chase knew little about the entertainment industry, but due to the rumors surrounding Lemon and Noah, he'd investigated some key players.

"Alright now, you kids go talk company stuff somewhere else. I'm red," Eleanor said, seemingly wanting to give the younger generation some space. Besides Eleanor, there was no one else in the Fred family they needed to greet. Leaving the room, they saw several people downstairs looking up at them.

"Your family's lively, that's for sure," Wendy remarked.

Waylon kept his gaze forward, leading them to his room. "Grandma's old now; she likes having people around. This bunch is easy enough. They know better than to say the wrong things in front of her. But privately? Lemon and I can't take another word of it."

Lemon's room was adjacent to Waylon's, connected by an interior door. Both rooms were large; the connecting door made the space surprisingly spacious.

"Our parents haven't been involved in family matters these past few years. Lemon and I created this setup for safety. You know I'm not home much. If the rooms are connected, people can't easily figure out who's in which room."

Chase hadn't expected the Fred family to live this way. He could hardly imagine it.

"Why didn't you tell me about this? It's important," Wendy said the moment they sat down.

Lemon spread her hands. "It was almost Christmas, and I didn't want to stress you out. I already have people tracking it down. We reviewed the company's surveillance and identified a few suspects. My brother's following up."

"Having a cop in the Harrison family really is convenient. No need to even call the police—just come home for dinner and it's a case," Chase said.

Lemon sighed. "That's how it is. He's not much help in other areas. The least he can do is support me when it really matters."

The group stayed in Waylon's room until around noon, then left without lunch.

Later, Melody called Chase, saying guests were coming and asking him to hurry home to play the role of lucky charm. Fortunately, everything at home was prepared; there was no need for last-minute shopping. Still, being the "lucky charm" wasn't exactly easy.

The first guests were suppliers. Most of the hospital's disposable medical supplies came from their company. They'd heard about the new leadership at Cloud Hospital and used Christmas as an opportunity to pay their respects.

Once the conversation turned to business, Melody handled it while Chase sat sipping tea.

Christmas Reunion

Melody sighed. "This is way harder than what I used to deal with. It's like playing on hard mode."

"That's what makes it a challenge," Wendy said, resting her chin on her hand with a smile. "Think about it—right now, all of Cloud Hospital's business matters are under your control. You have the upper hand. You're the only one who can get Chase involved in anything. No one can frame you for anything. Doesn't that make it feel a little better?"

Melody said nothing. Chase said nothing either. A little better, but not much.

Melody wiped her mouth and glanced at notes on her phone. "There should be two more companies coming by tomorrow. It's all about the IPO. One's at two in the afternoon, the other at three. I spaced them out."

Chase asked, "So we just have to wait around at home all day?"

"Not necessarily. Just be back by the scheduled times. It won't take long—each meeting's about future cooperation post-IPO. Should wrap up in about twenty minutes each. Everything will be done by four."

Wendy thought for a moment. "Keep the schedule clear after the fourth day of Christmas."

Melody looked at her.

"I'm taking your chairman on a honeymoon—from the fourth to the tenth. You handle whatever comes up. If it's something you can manage on your own, take care of it. If not, we'll deal with it after the break."

"Got it," Melody replied immediately, crossing out everything on her calendar after the fourth. "For the sake of a harmonious and blissful married life between our two bosses, I'll carry all the burden."

Chase said nothing. They talked a while longer before Melody left for home.

Only then did Chase ask, "Will you have enough time off? Work starts again on the eighth, and you're off until the tenth."

Wendy leaned back against the sofa. "I hired all those people for a reason. If they can't handle three days without me, what am I paying them for?"

If Sammy heard that, she'd probably lose it. But Chase had no complaints. It was the honeymoon they'd missed. Honestly, he was looking forward to it. Getting away with Wendy, just the two of them—he definitely needed to start planning.

He went into the room to research the trip, and Wendy finally pulled out her phone to check her messages.