Emily turned around to the sound behind her, realizing that Yvette had returned.

Just as Emily was about to greet her, Yvette's voice preempted her thoughts. "Emily, were you just talking to your mom on the phone?" She inquired with a hint of curiosity. Emily, caught slightly off guard by the question, simply nodded her head in confirmation.

Yvette's eyes seemed to twinkle with shared understanding as she said, "I couldn't help but overhear a bit. Is your mom also on your case about you finding a partner?"

Emily felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She had not expected Yvette to have caught that part of her private conversation. With an awkward smile pulling at the corners of her mouth, she replied, "Yeah, it seems like it's a universal thing for families to nudge you about these matters, right? Many of us go through that."

Finding common ground, Yvette nodded sagely. "Indeed, my family has been nudging me as well," she shared, her shoulders lifting in a helpless shrug before her expression turned contemplative. But Emily, you've been a cornerstone at the company for quite some time. With your departure on the horizon, do you plan to return to the comforts of home?"

Emily saw no need to hide her plans and told Yvette directly.

"Yes, home seems like the next logical step for me. I'll start there and then see where life takes me."

"Ah, if you go home, maybe your mom will introduce you to some guys."

Emily imagined that scenario and nodded in agreement.

"You're probably right; I guess that might happen."

Yvette shared her own experiences, "I've met a few people through my family's introductions, but alas, none were the right fit."

"Still, I hope you find the right person soon."

"Thank you, and the same to you." Emily responded.

"Speaking of timing, with the New Year just around the corner, are you thinking of heading back early? Once we wrap up the handover, it'll be time for celebrations."

Emily checked the time and it did seem to be the case.

Glancing at her watch, Emily realized that Yvette was right. The holidays were fast approaching. A sense of anticipation filled her at the thought of being home for the festivities.

"It looks like I'll be able to enjoy a truly joyous New Year this time," she mused aloud.

As their chat continued, a surprising revelation came to light - both Emily and Yvette hailed from the same hometown. Yvette, thrilled by this coincidence, eagerly proposed that they journey back together to celebrate the New Year. Emily, delighted by the prospect of a travel companion and a friend to welcome the new beginnings with, readily accepted.

Later, Emily sent a message to Eva, telling her that she would come to see her right after getting off the plane.

Eva didn't reply immediately, but Emily wasn't in a rush. They were in different time zones, and Eva would reply when she had time.

Eva and Adrian's homeward journey was a smooth sail into the quiet of the night. Despite the brief duration of their trip, Eva felt the ache of missing her children, Ruby and Dylan, deep in her bones. She longed to envelop them in her arms the moment they pulled into the driveway. Yet, fate had other plans. The children were already nestled in their beds, dreaming away. Her disappointment was palpable, but Eva knew better than to disturb their peaceful slumber.

Margaret, ever the voice of reason, consoled her, "Had you arrived just half an hour earlier, you would have caught them awake."

Eva's response was tinged with resignation, "We hurried back as fast as we could."

"You both must be tired from a day of travel. Go freshen up and rest. The kids will be thrilled to see you tomorrow."

"Alright."

As Eva ascended the stairs to freshen up, Adrian made to follow but was promptly intercepted by his mother's inquisitive gaze. "What were you two up to this time?" She inquired.

Adrian gave his mother a look, "Curious?"

Margaret nodded, "Why else would I ask?"

"Why don't you ask Eva directly?"

"What kind of question is that? You're my son; it's more convenient to ask you. Besides, Eva needs her rest after a day of travel." "Oh, so she needs rest, and I don't?"

"What does a strong man like you need so much rest for?"

Adrian was left speechless by his mother's partiality but didn't say anything. He was actually quite happy inside, knowing his family liked Eva. "Alright, your son needs rest too. I'm going upstairs."

Without waiting for any other reaction from Margaret, Adrian went upstairs.

Margaret was left speechless by his hasty departure. However, thinking of Ruby and Dylan, she felt relieved. She adored the two children.noveldrama

The more she thought about them, the happier Margaret became, and she went upstairs to see her grandchildren.

As the new day dawned, the children resumed their educational journey. Their absence had been keenly felt at the school, and their return, especially under the personal escort of Adrian and Eva, was a poignant moment for the principal. Having Adrian's children at the school was a great honor for them, as the Blackwood family was no ordinary family. The principal had even boasted to his friends that Mr. Blackwood's children attended his school.

When the children suddenly took a leave of absence, everyone speculated whether they would return, considering they could choose better schools.

Just when the principal thought his boasting might have gone too far, Adrian brought his children back personally.

The principal was overjoyed and greeted them himself.