THE HEIR'S REVENGE

chapter 40

The day after the counter case was filed, Henry came into my office looking a bit concerned. I looked up from my work expecting him to speak up since he was already in the office but he said nothing, instead he glared at me.

“Young master, there is something you must know.” He started.

Something I must know?

Whenever Henry sounded like this, it was important. He always came into my office with a straight face ready to work but I could see that he was trying to be careful as he spoke to me.

“What is it, Henry?”

“Lily's birthday is coming up in two weeks.”

“I know that.” I said dropping my pen wondering if there was something new about Lily's birthday coming up.

“I'm well aware that you know. I'm only here to inform you that I wouldn't be available to assist in the planning of the party.”

I closed my document and stared at him.

In the few months that I have known Henry Abott, he had never been unavailable for anything. He planned meetings, he managed board meetings and literally helped me with everything else.

“You won't be available? But why?”

“I have a personal matter.”

I didn't expect any more answers from him. From the look on his face, he wasn't going to say anything more added to the one he already said.

In all these while, Henry had never mentioned anything about his family. I only knew that he had been with the Blackwell family for 20 years and had the professionalism of two men joined together.

I wasn't sure he had a family. I wasn't sure where he went on his day off, I just haven't seen Henry in any other light than this.

Thinking about this, it did make me feel like a bad boss.

But then, Henry wasn't the kind to talk about his personal life to anyone, not even me.

“Is everything fine?” That was the least I could ask for.

“Everything is fine, young master.” His voice was a bit raised. “I won't just be here for the planning but I'll definitely be back before the party. I'll make sure everything is put in place before I leave.”

I looked at him. “Okay.”

He nodded like he appreciated that I didn't ask anymore questions.

When he left,I tried to think of what personal matter that would make Henry leave his duties. I gave up at some point because I'd never know unless Henry tells me.

Thinking about the birthday party that was just two weeks in coming, my heart leaped. I had only two weeks to plan it and now Henry had some personal matters to attend to.

I just couldn't believe it.

In the afternoon, I found Agent Yemi in the garden. She was bent over something, glaring at it like someone making a scientific investigation. A bug?

She must have heard footsteps because she stood up.

“Mr. Blackwell.”

“Ethan.” I had told her this 3 times before but she simply wasn't listening.

“Ethan.” She was trying to smile but she didn't.

I sat down at the other side of the bench,not close to her. I wasn't supposed to be scared to ask for her help, I was her boss after all but thinking about it, this wasn't in her job description.

“Henry won't be coming in for work for a while.” I started even though I wasn't sure it was the right way to start.

“Why? I hope he's okay?”

“Yes.” A pause. “And Lily's birthday party is coming up in two weeks and I'm trying to surprise that little girl.”

“Emmm..” Yemi was going to burst out laughing. “I doubt she'd be surprised.”

“What do you mean? I haven't told her about it, not yet.”

“She was the one who told me about it.”

“What?” My mouth was wide open. The birthday surprise was supposed to be a surprise.

“She told me that when her grandpa was alive, a birthday party was always arranged for her so she's expecting it but she was worried.” Yemi said, looking concerned too.

“But why?”

“She was worried that since her grandfather was dead, that you wouldn't remember or even think it was right to throw a birthday party for her.”

Lily! Always thinking like an adult.

“She asked if I could join her and plan the party no matter how small. She didn't want to disturb you since you are so busy.”

I shook my head.

Sometimes I wonder if Lily was actually a child or an adult in a child's body.

“I'm busy but there was no way I'd not plan my niece's birthday. The problem now is that I need to plan Lily's birthday party without Henry.” I paused, waiting for an answer.

She was quiet for a moment. Then she said: "How much do you know about planning a child's birthday party?"

"Nothing," I said, immediately. "Absolutely nothing."

She looked at the garden and then back at me and this time she did not stop the smile before it arrived.

“I could help you if you want. I'm quite good at things like this.”

I took a deep breath even though I made sure she didn't hear that.

“Yes, please.”

“I should warn you though, planning a wedding this fast would get really tiring.”

"Between the two of us and the internet we should be able to manage."

She seemed to think about it seriously before she nodded. “That's true.”

We still had a lot to discuss but I knew the first thing I should do is talk to Lily. I thanked Yemi and went looking for my dear princess.

Lily never seems to amaze me.