Chapter 226 - Unexpected guest

~Fairfield~

Sarah is in the living room of her apartment, on the sofa with her phone in her hand, chatting with Vivian.

"Tomorrow I will meet with Vivian." Sarah told to Aiden who came out of the bedroom.

He paused for a moment obvious displeasure showed on his face. "Where?"

"Somewhere downtown, we still didn't decide." Sarah's attention was on her phone.

His mind was racing. With his suspicion that Vivian is setting Sarah up, there is no way to let them go out by themselves. But he still can't voice his suspicions to Sarah. 'Think, Aiden, think!'

"Hmmm, how about you get her to come here?" Seeing that Sarah is looking at him with a frown, he provided logical explanation. "Since you are attracting trouble, I will be more at ease knowing you are here. You will have your space; I promise to give you privacy."

After hearing his explanation, Sarah agreed and typed on her phone. Last time she went out with Vivian, it didn't turn out well. She does not want to risk such a thing again. And even if nothing happens, Aiden will get himself sick from worry. So, it's better if they meet here.

Aiden stood behind her and watched her chat with Vivian with a cold gaze.

After exchanging few messages, Sarah confirmed. "Done. Vivian will come here tomorrow around 2 PM."

"Thank you, baby." He leaned in and kissed top of her head, before heading to the study room.

In the study room, he opened one drawer behind the work desk and pulled out one of most recent microphones that Felix sent them. Aiden flipped the small device in his palm. "Eve, confirm connection with SM34D."

"Successful ping confirmed." Eve's voice was heard.

"Eve, make sure SM34D is fully charged by 2 PM tomorrow." Aiden smirked and put the small device in the top drawer of his work desk.

…

Next day, around noon Aiden and Sarah are in the study room, both working on their PCs when doorbell of Sarah's apartment was heard.

"Did Vivian arrive early?", Aiden asked Sarah.

Sarah shook her head and spoke, "Eve, who is at the door?"

"Jeffrey White", Eve's voice was heard.

Aiden and Sarah looked at each other, both with confused expressions. Doorbell sounded again.

"You go and open... it's your brother." Sarah finally spoke.

Aiden went and opened the door. He froze at the sight of a large bouquet of flowers.

"Hey, little brother!" Jeff cheerfully greeted. He noticed that Aiden is looking at the flowers. "These are for sister-in-law." Seeing that Aiden is blocking the door and not moving, Jeff reminded him. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Aiden moved to the side, leaving Jeff space to pass. Jeff entered carrying flowers in one hand and wheeling a black carry on suitcase behind him with his other hand. Aiden closed the door and followed Jeff.

Jeff stood in the living room and looked around. "Where is sister-in-law?"

Aiden opened door of the study room and called. "Sarah, can you come out? Jeff is looking for you." Aiden observed that his brother is... different. He wore a light green sweater under brown leather aviator jacket, and blue jeans pants. Jeff never wore anything other than suits, he had formal suits and casual suits, and sports suits, and business suits... everything in his closed could be described as: suits. His cheerful disposition was also another stark contrast to Jeff's usual cold and indifferent attitude.

Sarah stepped outside study room and her eyes widened taking in the sight of Jeff in casual clothing, with a wide grin on his face.

He stepped toward Sarah and handed her flowers. "This is for you." He was charming... a bit stiff, forced maybe, but still charming.

Sarah took the flowers and looked at Aiden, as if she is asking for an explanation what is going on.

Jeff was not stupid. He could see that both Aiden and Sarah are stunned with his change. He pressed his lips into a thin line before speaking. "Hey, I'm trying to be more casual... and more... approachable. Don't look at me like I'm a freak."

Sarah sighed in relief. "I thought someone swapped souls with you or something..." She chuckled. "Thank you for the flowers, they are lovely." She went to the kitchen to get a vase and put the flowers in water.

"That does not explain why are you here." Aiden spoke.

"We have some project proposals to discuss, and I believe we should talk about these in person.", Jeff explained. "I will be in Fairfield few days, and I was wondering if I can stay here with you two."

Aiden frowned. "What about our apartment? That one is empty."

"Uhm... yes, empty. Is there a problem if I stay here?" Jeff tried again.

Sarah placed vase with flowers on dining table and joined in. "Stay where?"

"Forget it... if it's a problem, I will stay at my place. I will manage..." Jeff shrugged. "I just thought that it will be more fun in a bigger company."

"Oh, I didn't mean...", Sarah saw that Aiden is shaking his head slightly telling her to stop talking. She obeyed.

Aiden found Jeff's behavior strange and wanted to find out what is going on. Why would Jeff want to be more approachable? At this point Aiden was confused and wanted some time to compose himself and find the best tactic to probe information out of his brother.

"Did you guys have lunch?" Jeff broke the silence.

"Not yet." Sarah responded.

"Me neither. Do you want us to go out? My treat." Jeff smiled.

Sarah checked the time "There is no time for going out. I have a friend coming in two hours... but we can order something to be delivered..."

...

After lunch, Jeff went into one of spare bedrooms to work from there. He needed privacy because he has a lot of online meetings.

Sarah and Aiden are in the study.

"Why do you think Jeff is here?" Sarah asked.

Aiden was happy that he is not the only one who observed Jeff coming to their apartment with flowers in a different style and a modified personality as an abnormality.

"I don't know yet... but don't let him trick you to stay here over night." Aiden warned her. She opened mouth to say something, but he interrupted her. "You are too nice. Let me handle him."

Sarah sighed and nodded.