Chapter 216

After I got back to my room, my phone rang. It was Leo.

I was a bit surprised, thinking he was probably calling to remind me to bring Briar back soon.

I had already delayed a few days because of the small house issue, and she was about to start school. Leo must be anxious.

But when I answered Leo's call, it was pretty noisy on his end.

"Caroline, I'm already on my way to Suncrest City. I know you're usually busy and don't have time to take care of Briar, so I decided to come and get her myself."

"My flight is tomorrow morning. Can you send me your address so I can pick her up?"

I was stunned. Leo's visit was so sudden, I wasn't prepared at all.

But his reason was valid, so I could only send him the address. "How about I have Savannah pick you up?"

"No need, I'll come by myself. I don't want to trouble you."

I grew more puzzled. Leo's behavior was indeed strange. Why would he come so suddenly?

I went to find Savannah and told her about it. She was just as confused.

"If he was coming to our place, he should have given us a heads-up before buying the ticket. Who knows, he just decided to get on a plane without saying anything..."

That's exactly what puzzled me. Leo had always been a gentleman and very polite. How could he be so abrupt?

But regardless, Leo was already on his way. His visit was inevitable.

"Since he's coming, let's welcome him and see what he wants."

Savannah nodded. After returning to my room, I thought about it for a long time but couldn't figure out why Leo was coming so suddenly, so I just went to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up to a message from Leo saying he was already on the airport shuttle heading to the city.

He said he would take a cab from downtown and be here in about half an hour.

I went to tell Briar about it.

I said, "Your dad is probably coming to pick you up. Go wait for him at the door."

To my surprise, Briar looked unhappy.

After some persuasion, she reluctantly went to wait at the door.

Half an hour later, Leo got off the cab with a bunch of luggage, first hugging Briar.

Briar didn't resist, but her little face still looked sullen.

We welcomed Leo into the yard, and he looked around our house.

"Caroline, your house is really a gem. I heard it's about to undergo urban renewal?"

"Such a pity."

I looked at Leo, still not understanding his purpose, and could only nod. "Yes, it's about to undergo urban renewal."

He put his things down. "I came to pick up Briar. She told me she's having a great time here."

"So I thought I'd take a week off for her at the start of school, let her have her fun, and then take her back. I also need a break; it's been a while since I rested."

His reason was legitimate, leaving me no room to argue.

"Alright, I'll arrange a room for you. Stay here for a few days, no need to spend money outside."

Leo thanked me and didn't refuse.

Savannah led Leo to the room I had prepared for him. The more he walked in, the more impressed he looked.

"This house is huge!"

"This is our old family house. My dad bought it back later."

"Actually, it's not very convenient living here, being so far from the city."

"Not at all, this place is so elegant."

I nodded, not responding to his comment.

In Leo's room, Savannah pushed his luggage in, and I pointed to the items on the bed.

"These are all new. Don't mind them, Leo. Just make yourself at home."

Leo nodded. "Why would I mind? This is much better than my place."

After Leo went in, I told him to rest for a bit and come out for lunch.

After all, he had been on a flight all night and probably didn't sleep well.

As I closed the door, I noticed Briar standing outside.

I took her little hand. "Aren't you happy your dad is here?"

Briar shook her head. "I don't want to go back. He's here to take me away."

I sighed. "It's okay. You can come back anytime you want. My home will always welcome you, alright? There will always be a room for you."

Briar pouted and said nothing.

Before noon, Leo came out of his room.

Since Kelly was out when he arrived in the morning, this was their first official meeting.

Leo shook hands with Kelly, handing her some specialties from Skyview City. "Mrs. Sharp, sorry for the trouble during this time."

"Briar has been a handful for you."

My mom waved her hand. "It's no trouble at all. Just an extra plate at the table. Don't worry, just make yourself at home."

"If you need anything, just let us know. We'll take good care of you."

Leo nodded. "But I still feel a bit embarrassed, so let me help with any chores. Don't hesitate."

I pulled him over. "You're a guest. How could we let you do chores?"

"Leo, have a seat on the couch. We're about to eat."

Holly brought the dishes to the table, and the family, along with the unexpected guest Leo, had a meal together.

In the afternoon, I asked Briar to show Leo around the neighborhood.

After all, she had been here for over a month and was familiar with the area. It was a good chance for the father and daughter to catch up.

In the evening, Leo called to say they wouldn't be back for dinner. He wanted to take Briar out to eat.

I nodded in understanding. They probably had things to talk about. Eating out was fine.

They returned after visiting the night market. We exchanged a few words, and then he went to his room to sleep.

After my shower, I had just laid down when Leo knocked on my door.

He looked troubled. "Caroline, sorry to bother you so late, but I can't find Briar."

I was shocked. "How could that be? Briar is usually very well-behaved and wouldn't run off."

Leo nodded, looking distressed. "I wanted to chat with her before bed, just to talk about going back in a few days. But she said she wanted to stay here."

"Like Brett and the others, she wants to go to school here."

"I couldn't agree to that. It's already enough trouble for you. So I said no."

"Who knew Briar would get upset and run off. Maybe I was too harsh."

I sighed. "Kids at this age are very sensitive, Leo. You need to be careful with your tone."

Leo nodded. "I know. That's why I came to see if she's with you."

I shook my head. "Did you check Brett's room?"