Chapter 209 - Video chat (2)

The mood changed to a serious one, when Sarah and Aiden started sharing what they found out.

"Felix, did investors have access to your designs?", Sarah asked.

"They should not have... but they could come and visit the company to see the progress." Felix thought for some time. "Edward introduced me to Sam Peterson at the event last weekend, I didn't meet him before. But his last name sounded familiar at that time." Felix was thinking. "So, it was him..."

Sophia frowned. "Just as I was thinking that we can start our attack on assets tied to Simmons family, now Petersons show up."

"It's OK. Better to know now, then later. Right?" JoAnna commented. "But when it's Sam Peterson, will dad be OK with that? What if he tries to bail him out?"

They know that their father is a good friend with Sam. If Sam is in trouble, there is a big chance that he will reach out to Edward for help. Knowing how well Edward treats Sam, he will probably help him out.

Sophia nodded. "JoAnna, try to see what is the current situation between Sam and dad... also, if you get a good chance, plant a thought in dad's head that Sam might not be such a good person as he thinks he is."

JoAnna nodded. "I will do my best."

Sophia continued, "Sarah, Aiden... we are relying on you to get information about the connection between Peterson and Simmons families. And figure out what kind of access Sam had to Felix, how did he steal the design... also, if that was the only design taken. Felix is available to give you any information you might need."

When they confirmed that they have current plan for handing that issue, Sarah asked. "Anna, what is the status on your side related to your mentor?"

"Oh, he is out of the country for another week. So, I'm stress free until he is back." JoAnna responded cheerfully. "But I managed to plant one microphone in his office, and one on his jacket which he keeps in the office. When he gets back, hopefully we get something useful."

"Nice.", Sophia approved and asked, "Sarah, will you come back for the weekend?"

"No, we have other plans...", Sarah looked at Aiden.

Aiden got the hint and explained. "My brother has a birthday. We are going to attend the event."

"What about your dress?" Sophia asked slightly panicked. Sophia was always in charge of their outfits for events, and she could not understand how can Sarah go to an event without at least consulting her first.

"I don't know." Sarah responded. "Aiden told me that he will take care of everything and I just need to show up."

Sophia took a deep breath. "Aiden, I'm not trying to judge you… but what do you know about dressing up a young lady?" Sophia felt that her position as a Hill-family-sister-styling person is in jeopardy.

"Even if I don't know much... I can hire someone who knows." Aiden smiled not wanting to say more.

"Can you make sure she does not look like an old woman... or like a hoe..." Sophia saw that Aiden raised an eyebrow looking confused, so she explained. "You know... the important parts should be covered... but not too much..."

Sarah laughed. "I will bring a backup, just in case... don't worry. I got something neutral."

"Huh…", Sophia was not pleased. "You never care what you wear... how can I not worry?"

"It will be OK. I will not embarrass you.", Sarah was coaxing Sophia.

...

Friday morning, Sarah was asking Aiden, "Uhm... what is the plan for tomorrow?"

"You will see..." Aiden was secretive.

"Come on, give me something. Is everything a secret?" Sarah pouted.

He sighed. "OK. We will go tonight and sleep in a hotel. Next day, afternoon you have an appointment with a stylist at 3. They will take care of your hair, make up, clothes and any other things needed. I will pick you up at 6, and we go together to attend the event. Is that enough information?"

He did say a lot, but it was generic. One thing stood out for her. "So, we are staying at a hotel..." Sarah was not sure why, but part of her thought that they will stay at his home. She knows that his family lives in Reno where the event is. Sarah could not help but wonder why is he not taking her to his home… when he was in Seattle first time, she didn't hesitate to take him home. What is his reason for staying in a hotel?

He could guess her thoughts. "I want to introduce you as my girlfriend, and I want you to meet my parents first. Then you can decide if you want to go and stay with my family under the same roof or stay with me in a hotel... whichever you pick, I will be with you."

"Don't you stay home with your family when you go there?" Sarah was having troubles gauging what is his relationship with his parents. Her impression is that they are not very close.

"If I'm by myself, yes." Aiden honestly replied.

Sarah was unsettled. "It might look like I'm pulling you away from your family..."

"Maybe... but I still want you to meet them first..."

She felt her anxiousness rising. "Is there anything I should know about them? Or is there anyone of interest who will be attending that I need to be aware of?"

"I will be with you." Aiden comforted her. "And you know Jeff... for others... you will be able to make your own judgement... " He hugged her and patted her back. "I never saw you this nervous."

"You never took me to your brother's party before... with your family and friends whom I've never met before. What if they don't like me?" Sarah was nervous to meet his family. She could not help but wonder who else will be here. She wants to leave a good impression.

"You will do great." Aiden coaxed her. "And I will be proud to have you by my side no matter what anyone else says."

Sarah felt her heart melt. "Oh... you know what to say to make me feel at ease."