After 14 hours of flight, everyone reached Shanghai safe and sound. Cindy stretched her hands above her head and sighed, "Finally, I am in China!"
Melissa: Oh yes! I remember, you got double visa a month ago. I was wondering how could you come in such a short notice.
Cindy: Yeah, I was supposed to come here with kids when their vacation started, but then so many things happened I couldn't make time.
Melissa and Cindy engaged in conversation while Matthew was lost in thought.
After a while, Matthew walked to them, "Cindy, do me a favor".
Cindy: What happened?
He handed her his credit card, "Buy some gifts and liquor from duty-free shops".
Cindy was confused, "But why? We can buy souvenirs from outside".
Matthew: This one is for the person who'll pick us up.
Cindy: I see...
Olivia pulled her dress, "Mom, can I come with you?"
Cindy was in awe seeing her, "Sure honey".
She thought, 'I can't believe this is my daughter, SHE IS SO CUTE!'
Owen: I wanna go too...
Seeing his puppy face Cindy couldn't reject it. She knew they're gonna get on her nerves later but she couldn't just say no.
Cindy: You two will stay obedient okay?
:OKAY!
Cindy smiled, "Ok then, let's go", she turned to Matthew and Melissa, "See you two later".
At first, she thought of taking Melissa with her as well but then she realized it will be better for them to get a bit closer.
When Cindy left, Matthew pulled Melissa closer, "Mom is in Shanghai". Melissa looked at him in surprise, "What?"
Matthew: Yes, she is here. Charles told me few days ago.
From a distance, Mark and Alex kept their eyes on them.
Alex: Did something happen? Matthew looks quite serious.
Mark: I don't know, did he find out?
Melissa thought, 'So that's the reason you brought me with you... no wonder why Dad was so sure about his plan'.
She asked nervously, "So what are you planning to do now?"
Matthew: I need to find her.
Melissa looked down, "Be safe while you're at it".
Matthew looked at her in suspicion, "Do you know something?"
Melissa eased herself and shook her head, "I'm just surprised".
She couldn't help but think what she is gonna do now, her whole plan is ruined with this one single conversation. She had no way to tell Alex what just happened.
Suddenly Melissa's phone rang and she jump up in surprise. She looked at the phone, "Who is it?", Matthew asked her.
Melissa's face turned pale, she couldn't muster the courage to talk, she knew what the person was going to say.
Melissa: it's my friend from China, I told her I'll be coming here. She wants to meet me.
Matthew: Oh, alright.
He let go of her hand, the tight grip caused her skin to turn red.
Melissa picked up the phone, with a shaky voice she said, "Hello".
***