Kate blushed and said, "I…, I want to travel with a friend on this holiday."
Sophia was confused. Kate usually took her on a trip. Sophia looked at her expression and seemed to know something.
It must be inconvenient to take with her, was it?
Recently, Sophia often saw a middle-aged man driving Kate home. Every time, he stopped downstairs and never came up. Sophia didn't know the man. But she knew that there must be a story when a man drove a woman home every day.
Sophia didn't ask Kate about it. Kate had been widowed for many years. If she wanted to be with someone, as long as the man was honest and reliable, Sophia would support her. Of course, she wouldn't be the third wheel. Everyone would be uncomfortable if she was there.
She said, "Don't worry, mum. I'll be all right. Just enjoy yourselves!"
Kate brightened, "I knew it. You can do any housework except cooking. If you want to eat, you can go to Pearson. He's good at cooking. If he's not at home, you order takeout. I'll be back in a few days."
Sophia felt that Kate had been sitting her up with Albert. Let Albert cook for her? She should ask if he would like to do that or not, right? Her mum was indeed not polite to him.
But Sophia had to admit that Albert was good at cooking. As the young owner of the Pearson Group, he was indeed different from other rich people.
She had been reading the news on microblog these days and saw that many rich people were into showing off fancy cars, luxury goods, big houses, beautiful women, and all kinds of clubs as if they were worried that people didn't know they were rich.
Pearson's family was the richest, and Albert was the richest man in the country. However, he was not interested in fancy cars or big houses, nor did he love beautiful girls. And he even worked as her assistant at Glinton. He was unique.
That night, Kate invited Albert over for dinner. Sophia didn't know when Kate knew Albert's taste, and all the food was Albert's favorite.
Albert was quite happy and flattered Kate when he ate, and Kate was also very happy.
"So, please take care of Sophia these days," Kate smiled, "She's not picky. Just make her something to eat."
"Well, I'm about to talk to you, Ms. Green. Well, our company is organizing a trip to an island these days. Why don't you ask Sophia to come with me?" said Albert.
Kate was surprised and hesitated for a moment. "Is everyone going? Where do you live?"
"The company has packaged a hotel. There are single rooms, very safe and convenient. The island is in the south and it is summer there. We can sunbathe on the beach."
Sophia was impressed. She had only seen pictures about the seaside on videos and pictures and had never been there. She wanted to go. It had been cold in Lands City. She shivered when she went out, and she would like to go somewhere warm.
Of course, she knew that the "company tour" might be his decision.
She thought about it and nodded, "All right. But your company doesn't need to pay for my tour, and I'll pay it myself."
"Fine. All right."
He knew that if he didn't let Sophia pay, she wouldn't want to go.
Kate then said, "All right. But Sophia never traveled far. Be careful. Keep your phone on. Keep in touch with me at any time, okay?"
Sophia nodded, "Don't worry."
She had confidence in ensuring her safety.
Albert said, "Don't worry, Ms. Green. I'll take care of Sophia. I'll never let her get hurt! She'll be totally fine."
***
After dinner, Albert insisted on helping clear the table. Later, Kate watched him leave with a smile.
She turned around and told Sophia, "Although you're going out with Pearson, you're a girl, you have to protect yourself, you know?"
Sophia nodded, "I'll protect myself."
According to Kate, it seemed that Albert was a dangerous wolf and would eat Sophia.
***
The next morning, Kate set out first. She packed a big suitcase and took it downstairs. Sophia sent her downstairs and saw the man who used to drive Kate home, waiting downstairs.
The man was about Kate's age and looked very energetic. Though middle-aged, he was a handsome man. He wore a neat suit and gave people a very comfortable feeling.
When he saw Sophia, he smiled and said, "Is she your daughter? She looks like you."
Kate smiled, "Yeah. I also think so. She's Sophia. Sophia, this is Andy."
"Hi, Andy," said Sophia.
Andy smiled, "Nice to meet you, Sophia. I have a son about your age, but he is not as sensible as you. Oh, gosh! Speaking of which, I have to ask Ms. Green on how to teach children."
After a few greetings, Kate said goodbye to Sophia and got into Andy's car and left.
Sophia came home and saw Albert waiting in front of her house.
"We're leaving later," Albert said, "I bought the plane ticket at ten a.m., and my friend will take us to the airport."
Sophia knew that Ryan usually drove for Albert. But Ryan was a staff and might travel with them. So he might not come to pick them up.
She had packed her things last night, not much, just a small suitcase she usually took with. There was some laundry and groceries in it, nothing else.
Not long after, Albert came to inform her that his friend had arrived and was waiting downstairs. Sophia walked out with the suitcase. Then she noticed that Albert had come out empty-handed.
She was not surprised. After all, Albert could get what he wanted at any time without having to take anything with him.
Albert reached for Sophia's suitcase and helped her carry it downstairs.. His friend was already waiting downstairs, who greeted Albert with a somewhat sheepish expression, took over the suitcase and put it in the trunk, and then sat in the cab.