Chapter 20
- A Test from Mister Harper
“Unfortunately, other children can also tell stories. Isn’t there something more special that you can show?” Rowan Harper raised an
eyebrow.
“Louis is good at counting.”
“No, you’re the smarter one, Emily.”
Before the twins argued, Rowan tested them with simple mathematical operations. Amazingly, the twins always answered quickly and precisely. Then, he tested their numeracy skills with more complicated cases. Again, the questions given seemed easy for them.
“Last question. One of our subsidiaries plans to add computers. The research department needs 8, IT needs 5, marketing needs 3, and administration needs 2. But, the available budget is only enough to buy 16 high-end computers of the same type. What should we do?”
Louis and Emily looked at each other. They didn’t expect to encounter such a problem.
“The total required is 18.”
“That’s right, 2 units more than budgeted.”
Rowan Harper secretly smiled proudly. Such a small kids could already discuss things beyond their age? Truly extraordinary!
“Sir, may we ask you something?” Emily looked up. “Why do marketing and administration departments need additional computers?”
“The marketing department needs to conduct market research and process data, while administration needs to manage documents.”
ley don’t have to use high-
specifation computers for those light tasks, unlike research and IT departments.”
Emily elbowed Louis in the arm. “Specification, Louis, not specifation.”
“Yes, that’s what I mean.”
Rowan Harper’s laughter suddenly filled the air. In his entire life, it was the first time he had encountered such amazing children.
“Great! Very great! It would be an honor for our company to be able to pay for the schooling of children as genius as you two.”
“So, can we take part in the selection?” Louis asked enthusiastically.
“What is the selection for? We will immediately accept you two.” A second later, Rowan called the women near the door to come closer. After the official announcement, contact these children’s parents. Collect their documents. Don’t forget to invite them as special guests at the inauguration event.”
Knowing their success, Louis and Emily laughed out loud. They
jumped up and down before running around Rowan Harper and the female employees.
“Buzz buzz buzz, the worker bees managed to get the nectar.”
“Buzz buzz buzz, the queen bee will definitely be very happy.”
Watching the twins’ behavior, Rowan sighed lightly. He understood. Even though Louis and Emily were geniuses, they were still children. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
‘If Frank hadn’t put off getting married, I would have had great- grandchildren at their age.’
“Sir, the jury is waiting for your presence,” one of the female
employees said after receiving a message from a small device in her
ear.
Rowan snapped out of his reverie. Instead of taking a step, he straightened up his finger.
“Convey that I trust their judgment. I have more important thing to do
now.”
Then, with a firm expression, Rowan turned to a burly man behind his
back.
“Sean, let’s meet Frank. That boy must be urged. He won’t be able to give me offspring if he only thinks about the company and his ego.”
***
Frank again found himself lost in thought looking at the secretary’s
desk. There was no one there. Neither Vivian nor the HR team knew
about Kara’s dismissal. They had not moved to find a replacement.
‘Should I ask for a new secretary? Maybe, I would stop looking out the desk if a boring woman sat there.’
Suddenly, Frank shook his head. ‘No. I just need to find a way to keep my mind busy.’
“Philip!”
In an instant, a bodyguard came into the room.
“Where’s my lunch? Hasn’t the administrative staff returned yet?”
“Not yet, Sir. I’ll contact her.”
Furrowing his brows, Frank waved him off. The guard disappeared from sight and closed the door.
“Why is it so gloomy today?” Frank grumbled. He was really angry. He hadn’t produced anything all day. He was too busy expelling the image of Kara from his mind and surroundings.
“If it’s like this, I’d better just attend the scholarship selection.
Suddenly, Frank’s eyes widened. He couldn’t believe what came out of his mouth.
“Wait! I can’t be crazy because that stupid secretary left me.”
“I’m just not used to these quiet moments. There is no annoying face or behavior that makes me angry.”
“Yes, this is the perfect working condition. I should be happy.”
Forcing a smile, Frank pulled the top document from the stack. Just when he opened the first page, a citrus scent caught his nose. He remembered how swiftly Kara turned the paper.
Yesterday, that girl faithfully stood by his side, carrying out duties. Now that she’s not around, why did her body fragrance still linger?
“Gosh! Focus, Frank. Don’t let that lowly girl overshadow you,” he whispered to himself. His jaw throbbed from being clenched so hard.
Unfortunately, as he started to focus, a guard entered without. knocking on the door. His eyebrows rose and his eyes widened slightly. Even though the lines on his face were stiff, Frank could detect the panic from there.
“Boss, your grandfather is coming.”
Frank’s neck spontaneously elongated. “Where is he?”
“In the elevator.”
Frank swallowed hard, worried that Rowan would notice his incompetence today. While moving half of his pile of documents. under the table, he ordered the bodyguard to remove the dust from the table near the sofa.
A moment later, an old man in a brown suit stepped in with his personal assistant. “Good afternoon, My Grandson.”
Frank was stunned. Rowan Harper wasn’t usually that friendly, even towards him.
“Afternoon…, Grandpa.”
“Where’s Jeremy?”
Frank blinked stiffly. Since when did the grandfather care about his assistant?
“I’m sending him out of town.”
“And your new secretary?”
Frank’s breath suddenly hitched and his body stiffened. How could Rowan Harper put Kara’s image in his mind?
“She…,” Frank took a deep breath, “just went out to buy my lunch.”
Rowan twitched an eyebrow and nodded. Before he could continue, Frank interrupted. “Why are you here, Grandpa? Shouldn’t you be at the library?”
Rowan casually sat on the sofa. After briefly inspecting the room, hel widened his smile.
“Why don’t you come to the library? Are you too in love with these walls? You even let your secretary get your lunch.”
“I plan to go there after lunch,” Frank nodded stiffly, but looked natural. That was indeed his style whenever he faced his grandfather.
Rowan’s eyebrows rose high. The wrinkles on his forehead were more visible. “I actually stopped by the library before coming here. I met two genius toddlers there.”
Frank’s eyes suddenly narrowed. “Is it Emily and her brother?”
Rowan almost flinched, but quickly controlled his astonishment. “You know them?”