Chapter 157
Gordon held Snow in his arms, reluctant to let go. There was something about
that scent-warm, familiar, quietly reassuring. Just breathing it in seemed to calm his nerves. Oddly enough, he’d only ever noticed it on Caitlin.
Snow, for her part, basked in the embrace, her little face radiating feline bliss.
Mew, mew, mew.
Today, she decided, she was the happiest little cat in the world.
Gordon’s lips curled into a rare smile. “Snow, how about sleeping with Dad tonight p>
At that, Snow immediately began to squirm.
Mew, mew, mew!
No, no, no!
She was supposed to curl up with Catie tonight. But then again, Dad seemed so enthusiastic… Maybe she could keep him company just this once, and spend tomorrow night with Catie instead. After all, she’d already snuggled with Catie last night.
A fair distribution of feline affection, she thought, was only proper.
Gordon, one arm wrapped around Snow, steered his mouse with the other, fully immersed in a round of Imperial Ascent.
Suddenly-bang!
The door flew open from the hallway. Skyler strode in without so much as a knock.
“Ever heard of knocking?” Gordon shot him a dry look.
“Oh, come on, we’re family! No need to stand on ceremony,” Skyler grinned, swaggering over to Gordon’s side. His eyes landed on the computer screen. “Wait, you play Imperial Ascent too? That game is seriously addictive-I was up all night playing at home p>
He leaned in, voice animated. “Apex’s new shareholder, Miss Kensington, is a genius! She actually pulled off a full AAA release. I gotta hand it to her—makes me want to get down on one knee in respect p>
He paused, then shot Gordon a look of admiration. “Uncle, your instincts are incredible. How did you know Apex would make a comeback? Back then, the company was a sinking ship. Even I thought picking Apex was a mistake-Julian looked like the golden boy of the decade p>
Skyler remembered how he’d tried to talk Gordon out of it. In hindsight, he realized just how clueless he’d been. Thank God Gordon hadn’t listened; otherwise, even Sylvester Group’s stock would have taken a hit.
Gordon’s judgment and strategic mind truly were something else.
Gordon turned to him, meeting his gaze. “That’s the difference between you and me p>
Skyler made a face. Should’ve kept his mouth shut. Not only was his uncle a notorious penny-pincher, he had a wicked tongue too.
Trying to distract himself, Skyler focused on the computer screen. “Uncle, why are you stuck in Mistwood Forest p>
Mistwood Forest was a notoriously creepy map in Imperial Ascent. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn.net
“I think there’s a hidden quest here,” Gordon replied.
“Hidden quest?” Skyler was instantly intrigued. “You’re joking, right? I spent all last night in that forest, didn’t find a thing p>
Mistwood Forest was infamous for its dense fog, lurking monsters, and deadly predators; most players avoided it, since one misstep meant you’d have to start over from scratch. No one wasted time there if they could help it.
Gordon’s fingers flew over the keyboard with impossible speed, guiding his character through the mist. A moment later, he found a concealed path; a flash of light swept across the screen.
A bold message appeared:
[Welcome to Wonderhaven Estate p>
Skyler gawked. “No way! There really is a hidden quest! Uncle, how did you figure that out p>
Gordon’s lips twitched. “If you pay attention to the game’s design and atmosphere, it’s obvious the developer is both meticulous and a little sensitive. She projects a tough exterior, but she’s soft-hearted underneath. That’s the only reason a haven like Wonderhaven Estate would be tucked inside such a terrifying map p>
Skyler gave him a thumbs-up. “Uncle, you never cease to amaze me. Seriously- legendary p>
Gordon kept playing, guiding his character deeper into Wonderhaven Estate. The art style was completely different here-lush meadows, winding rivers, sunlit forests. You could pick mushrooms, build a cabin; it felt like stepping into a pastoral painting.
Just then, another message popped up on the screen:
[Congratulations, Mr. S! You’re the second guest to enter Wonderhaven Estate. Please accept your deluxe reward package p>
“Wait-second?” Skyler blinked. “So someone else found it before you p>
“Looks like it,” Gordon said, clicking on the player profiles.
Sure enough, the first one to discover Wonderhaven Estate was a player named Phyllis.
Skyler scratched his head. “Wow, there’s actually someone out there as sharp as you. That’s rare. Really rare. I’ve never met anyone who could match your pace p>
Gordon was surprised too. It was uncommon to find someone whose thinking aligned with his-apart from Caitlin, of course. This was only the second time.
After a moment, Gordon set the mouse aside and glanced at Skyler. “So, did you want something p>
“Oh, right!” Skyler finally remembered why he’d come. “Uncle, I heard you’re heading to Rosenthal tomorrow. When will you be back p>
“The day after next,” Gordon replied.
Skyler hurried on. “Can you pick up a bag for me at the Hermès flagship in Rosenthal? It’s a gift p>
“Send the details to Dave. I’ll have him handle it p>
Dave was Gordon’s executive assistant.
Skyler shook his head. “That won’t work. It’s a limited edition only available at the Rosenthal flagship, and you need a black card just to buy it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be bothering you in person p>
“How much?” Gordon asked, straight to the point.
“North of six figures-and you need to buy other items as part of the deal. The whole thing’s a headache. You’ll have to go in person.” Skyler pressed his palms together in a pleading gesture. “Please? I really owe you one p>
He hadn’t had a spare moment to visit Rosenthal himself-otherwise, he would’ve handled it.
Gordon looked at him. “Is it a gift for a woman p>