Beautiful Dreamer

49. Goodbye

"Manager Ari, may I come in?"

"Yes," Ari replied as she put on her coat. She finally had time to get lunch, having been immersed in work since morning. The atmosphere in the office had been good the past few days, something she'd craved after the recent mishaps and delayed deadlines.

"Are you heading out, Manager?" Ari's secretary inquired.

"Yes. I haven't gone for a proper lunch in weeks so today, I plan on savouring every last bite." Ari replied enthusiastically. "You should head out too once I return or have someone sit in for you, but do not leave the desk unattended."

The secretary seemed to be hesitant. She was standing by the door while holding the handle, still unsure whether she should enter or leave, and Ari picked her indifference.

"Is there a problem?"

"Manager Ari, I'm afraid you seem to be having a last-minute appointment."

"Appointment? As I recall, my schedule for today afternoon has been clear since two days ago."

"I apologise, Manager, but... Well, there is an unexpected guest you might not want to turn down. Someone who has referred to them as your family relation."

The secretary went on to describe the urgency in a manner the guest explained why he had to see Ari. She missed Ari's body stiffening at the mention of her younger brother's name, and as she went on, her words were muffled up by Ari's thoughts, wondering how her brother discovered her location."

"Where is he right now?"

"By the reception downstairs, Manager. He has been waiting there for the last ten minutes."

"Have the security send him off."

"M-Manager...?" Ari's secretary hesitated. "B-But he mentioned it was an urgent family matter..."

"Is the staff lift in operation?" Ari ignored, her expression showing no interest in meeting her brother.

"Y-Yes, Manager."

"Then have the other staff use the guest lift until I return."

"B-But Manager Ari... I-I promised he'd meet you..."

"With whose authority?" Ari snapped.

A long uncomfortable silence followed for a few seconds, which gave Ari time to gain her composure. "You have been incompetent before, allowing uninvited guests into my floor without my approval. This is your second strike after that stubborn girl and his brother bringing me lunch and whatnot. I warn you. There won't be another chance."

"I'm deeply sorry, Manager Ari. It won't happen again."

'Of course, it will. You are very naive, and that is why anyone can easily manipulate you. Perhaps Ned handed you over to me due to this very reason.' "Look, I do not doubt your diligence but do not push me to my limit."

"Yes, Manager." Ari's secretary replied. "I'll inform the security of your request."

Ari pondered over why her youngest brother would request to see her. It had been months since she'd last set eyes on them, let alone the years that had passed earlier. They'd all grown up, each taking their lives even though still confined in that neighbourhood. 'There is no need to meet with any of them. And what was that thing about a letter? The secretary mentioned something, but I hardly paid attention." Ari sighed. "Just when I was about to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. In fact, I would have clocked out early and turned it down with a nice movie. Still, it bothers me how he found my exact location and his reason for coming.'