The following day, Chuck awoke and, as per his routine, proceeded downstairs for breakfast. After finishing his meal, he made his way to his grandfather's room to check on him, noting that they had not shared breakfast together. Upon entering the room, he found his grandfather still asleep, likely due to the fatigue from the previous day.
Chuck quietly left the room without waking his grandfather and returned to his own space to prepare for the day ahead. Within less than an hour, he had completed his shower and dressing. He took a moment to check his appearance in the mirror before heading back to his grandfather's room.
"Hello, my child. Are you ready for work already?" his grandfather inquired, still groggy from sleep.
"Yes, Grandpa. I can see you've just woken up," Chuck replied. "You seemed quite tired yesterday, and I can see that you are getting older with each passing day. Why don't you take the day to rest? If it's alright with you, I can manage on my own. Last night, I asked Sandra to send me the list of tasks we need to address today, and with her assistance, I believe I will be fine. There's no need for you to worry."
"In that case, you may go, but be sure not to overexert yourself. Since we are unsure whether your adversary is still a threat, I would advise you to take two of the bodyguards with you. You can also bring the driver, as I don't anticipate leaving the compound today."
"Understood, Grandpa. Please take care of yourself while I'm gone," Chuck responded. "Thank you, and have a fantastic day ahead. I'll see you in the afternoon."
Chuck then exited his grandfather's room and went downstairs, where four bodyguards were already awaiting him in the living room. Upon his arrival, he informed them that he would only be taking two with him, while the others remained to care for his grandfather. They promptly made their way to the garage and exited the compound.
Chuck found himself lost in thoughts, reflecting on how different his day would be without his grandfather. So preoccupied was he that he didn't even notice they were traveling in a Range Rover instead of the expected Rolls Royce. It was only when he glanced at the roof of the vehicle that the realization struck him: they were indeed in a different car.
Turning to the driver, he inquired, "Does my grandfather use a different car to commute every day?" The driver nodded in affirmation, explaining that his grandfather had specifically requested the Range Rover for today, as the Rolls Royce was scheduled for servicing.
After approximately thirty minutes, they arrived at the hospital premises. As has become customary, Chuck was accompanied by two bodyguards to his office.
Upon entering the office, they encountered Sandra, who was already diligently attending to her daily responsibilities. "Hello, Sandra. How was your night?" Chuck greeted her.
"Good morning, sir. My night was calm. How about yours?" Sandra replied.
"It was peaceful. However, could you please refrain from calling me 'sir' and simply use my name? We are the same age, and even if I were your superior, I would prefer to be addressed by my name. We both understand who the real boss is here."
Sandra was taken aback; this young man clearly preferred a humble approach, which only heightened her admiration for him. "Alright, Chuck, is that acceptable for you?" she teased, eliciting a smirk from him. He then informed Sandra that his grandfather would not be reporting to work due to yesterday's endeavors.
Sandra responded thoughtfully, suggesting that his grandfather might be exhausted, given that he rarely spends prolonged periods in the office. "In fact, I was surprised yesterday when he stayed until 3 PM," she noted.
"Shall we get down to business?" Sandra proposed.
"Certainly, Sandra. Where shall we begin?" he asked.
She placed her to-do list on the table, and without further ado, they commenced their first task.
As they collaborated, they exchanged light banter until it was time for a tea break. "Chuck, Mr. Miller has asked me to take good care of you just as I always do with him. It's time for tea," Sandra announced.
However, Chuck replied, "But I'm not hungry, nor am I tired. I enjoy working alongside you. If you feel hungry or tired, I would be happy to accompany you to the cafeteria."
"I'm not hungry either, but we must take a break and return in thirty minutes," Sandra insisted.
"Very well, let's go," he conceded, turning to the bodyguards and requesting their company to the cafeteria. They proceeded straight to the elevator and descended to the cafeteria, where tea and snacks awaited them. After they finished, they returned to the office to resume their work, continuing their conversation and collaboration.
While engaged in their tasks, Chuck leaned down to retrieve a pen he had accidentally dropped on the floor. In doing so, he failed to notice that Sandra was also reaching for the same pen. Their hands brushed, and Chuck was struck by the softness and delicacy of her touch. He found himself pondering how someone could have such gentle hands when Sandra called his name, snapping him back to the present.
"Oh, my apologies," Chuck said, feeling a bit flustered.
"It's alright; here is your pen. Now, can we get back to work?" Sandra replied, eyeing him curiously as he seemed fixated on her hands. "What are you thinking about?" she asked.
"Ah, it's nothing. I was simply contemplating how someone could have such delicate and soft hands. Are you even from this world?" Chuck jested.
"Oh, are you suggesting that I am an alien?" Sandra teased back, a smile playing on her lips.
"Not quite, but your hands are remarkably tender," he admitted.
They continued working together until Chuck's stomach began to rumble, signaling that it was time for lunch.