Chapter 424: Cookies!!!

Two weeks later...

The private jet touched down smoothly on Star Harbor soil.

After traveling through different cities, mountains, villages and quiet countryside roads, seeing Star Harbor again felt strangely comforting.

The cabin door opened.

Miles stepped out first.

Chloe followed behind him.

The moment the fresh coastal air touched her face...

She yawned.

A long one.

Then stretched her arms.

"Finally home..."

Miles looked at her.

"You know we have to go back to work, right?"

Chloe’s happy expression immediately collapsed.

She sighed.

"Why did you have to remind me so quickly?"

Miles smiled.

Chloe looked toward the city.

Then her expression softened again.

"But yes."

She nodded.

"We can’t live like this forever."

Then she looked at him mischievously.

"Otherwise you’ll get bored of me."

Miles immediately replied,

"I won’t."

Chloe smiled.

"You have much more work than me, Mr. Husband."

She pointed toward him.

"So don’t get lazy now."

Miles laughed.

"You’re the one who just yawned."

"That was jet lag."

"You slept most of the flight."

"That doesn’t mean I wasn’t tired."

Miles shook his head.

Chloe looked toward the waiting car.

Then smiled brightly.

"Anyway..."

"I want to see my cuties."

Miles knew exactly who she meant.

"I was missing them."

He smiled.

"Let’s go see them."

They walked toward the vehicle waiting near the private terminal.

The driver immediately stepped out and opened the rear door.

"Welcome back, Boss."

Miles nodded.

"Thanks."

Chloe entered first.

Miles followed.

The luggage would be handled separately.

As soon as the car started moving...

Miles looked out through the window.

Star Harbor slowly returned around him.

Busy roads.

Billboards.

The distant coastline.

People moving through the city as though nothing had changed while he was away.

Miles leaned back.

"Anything new in the city?"

The driver glanced at him through the mirror.

"Boss..."

He smiled.

"I wonder what could actually be hidden from you."

Miles chuckled.

"Don’t give me reports."

He looked outside.

"Just tell me what’s in the air."

The driver understood.

"What people are talking about?"

"Exactly."

Miles smiled faintly.

"I like hearing things from the ground."

The driver thought for a moment.

"Well..."

"The city is busy."

"Mostly tech right now."

Miles became interested.

"New launches?"

"Several."

The driver nodded.

"New startups."

"Foreign investments."

"A few major companies opened new offices."

"Some are shifting teams here permanently."

Chloe looked outside.

The driver continued,

"Since the monsoon passed, tourism has increased again."

"Foreign tourists especially."

"Beaches are crowded in the evenings."

"Seafood consumption has gone up too."

Chloe smiled.

"That’s a very specific thing to know."

The driver laughed.

"It’s visible."

"Restaurants near the coast are packed."

"Hotels too."

Then he continued,

"Entertainment is growing a lot as well."

"Singers."

"Performers."

"Celebrity events."

"College students are especially interested."

Miles nodded.

"That’s good."

The driver looked toward another billboard.

"And everyone is talking about the Formula One track."

Miles’ attention immediately shifted.

"Already?"

"Yes."

The driver smiled.

"Sterling Construction is advertising it everywhere."

"Haven has never had a Formula One race track before."

"So..."

"People are excited."

Chloe looked toward Miles.

He was smiling now.

The driver continued,

"Hotels near the planned district are seeing investors."

"Even restaurants and small businesses around the area are preparing."

Miles looked impressed.

"That fast?"

"Star Harbor moves fast these days."

The driver laughed.

"Especially after all the big companies started moving here."

He continued,

"The workforce population has increased too."

"Lots of young professionals."

"The Town Hall is even discussing naming one part of the city as an official Business District."

Miles nodded.

"That makes sense."

The driver added,

"And there’s one more thing being advertised everywhere."

Chloe immediately leaned forward.

"What?"

The driver smiled.

"You know about it."

Chloe looked confused.

"It’s the Sterling Launchpad."

Her eyes widened.

"Oh."

Then she slapped her forehead lightly.

"I completely forgot."

Miles slowly turned toward her.

Chloe immediately became defensive.

"What?"

Miles smiled.

"Nothing."

The driver continued,

"It’s about to begin."

"Students and startup founders are already arriving from different parts of the country."

"Some universities are sending teams."

"Young companies too."

Chloe nodded.

"I heard about that."

"People are supposed to pitch their ideas."

Miles leaned closer.

"What’s this, Mrs. Sterling?"

Chloe immediately looked at him.

Miles continued,

"Didn’t I give you the chair at the Sterling Foundation?"

Chloe’s cheeks became slightly red.

"Don’t embarrass me."

Miles laughed.

She crossed her arms.

"I was briefed before the trip."

"Then Sister Monica said she would handle the preparation until I came back."

Miles sighed dramatically.

"Looks like I’m not the only one dependent on her."

Chloe slowly nodded.

"You’re right."

Then she became thoughtful.

"I really need to repay her somehow."

Miles smiled.

"Don’t worry about that."

He looked toward her.

"Take care of Tulip first."

"I’ll check on the Launchpad."

Chloe immediately shook her head.

"But you gave me the responsibility."

Miles raised an eyebrow.

"And I promised you I would work hard on it."

Miles smiled.

"Yes."

Then he added,

"And don’t forget..."

"I promised to share responsibilities too."

Chloe stared at him.

Then suddenly smiled.

"Fine."

Miles relaxed.

Then Chloe added,

"Help me draw animations at work."

Miles froze.

"That?"

Chloe looked serious.

Miles thought.

"Hmm..."

"I’ll need to learn a new skill."

Chloe burst into laughter.

"I’m kidding."

Miles looked relieved.

"Good."

She smiled.

"Don’t worry."

"I’ll handle my work."

Miles nodded.

Chloe then looked toward the driver.

"You know a lot about the city."

The driver smiled.

"Thank you."

"I’m serious."

She leaned forward slightly.

"Tech."

"Tourism."

"Business."

"Food."

"Entertainment."

"That’s a lot."

The driver laughed.

"It’s actually part of my job description."

Chloe blinked.

"What?"

"We’re expected to know what is happening around the city."

"Mr. Charles sends updates."

Miles smiled.

Chloe became curious.

"What were you doing before Sterling Security?"

The driver answered casually,

"I drove for another security company."

"What kind of driving?"

"Cash transportation."

"For banks."

Chloe’s eyes widened.

"You transported cash?"

"Yes."

She smiled.

"That’s actually cool."

Then she looked at Miles.

"But..."

"I think driving this man is more dangerous than driving cash."

The driver laughed.

Miles stared at both of them.

"I’m sitting right here."

Chloe smiled sweetly.

"We know."

The driver continued,

"Sterling Security is still the best company I’ve worked with."

"Good pay."

"Benefits."

"Insurance."

"Family support."

"Training."

He smiled.

"We even have proper training grounds."

Chloe looked impressed.

"Cool."

Miles turned toward her.

"Have you ever been to the Security Base?"

Chloe blinked.

"Me?"

"Yes."

"No."

Then she laughed.

"To be honest..."

"I didn’t even know you had a base."

Miles stared.

"What did you think Sterling Security was?"

"A corporate building."

Miles sighed.

Chloe smiled.

Miles explained,

"It’s like a military camp."

Chloe nodded.

"That actually makes more sense."

Miles looked toward the city again.

Then smiled.

"I’m excited about the Launchpad."

Chloe looked at him.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I want to see what people built."

He thought for a moment.

"I wonder if I’m allowed to watch the pitching live."

Chloe stared.

"You own the foundation."

Miles nodded.

"That doesn’t answer whether I’m allowed."

Chloe laughed.

...

Pearl Villa.

The car finally entered through the main gates.

Chloe immediately sat straighter.

Her tiredness disappeared.

"We’re home."

Miles smiled.

The vehicle stopped near the main entrance.

The driver stepped out and opened the door.

Chloe was already looking toward the villa.

No Hope.

No Asher.

Nobody.

She frowned.

"Where is everyone?"

Miles got out.

Chloe walked toward the entrance.

"Maybe they’re inside."

Miles followed.

The doors opened.

Silence.

The main hall looked normal.

Perfectly normal.

Too normal.

No running footsteps.

No shouting.

No twins yelling Big Bro from somewhere.

Chloe slowly looked around.

"Hello?"

Nothing.

Silence.

Chloe frowned.

She turned toward Miles.

"Did they go somewhere?"

Miles didn’t answer immediately.

His eyes moved around the room.

Shoes.

One pair near the side.

A tiny ribbon partly visible behind the sofa.

A shadow disappeared near the corridor.

Then...

A whisper.

Very faint.

Miles’ lips slowly curved.

He understood.

Chloe didn’t.

She looked concerned.

"That’s strange."

Miles nodded seriously.

"Very strange."

Chloe looked toward him.

"Should I call Mom?"

Miles immediately shook his head.

"No."

"Why?"

He lowered his voice.

"I think..."

Chloe became attentive.

"...the house has been abandoned."

Her eyes widened.

"What?"

Miles walked forward dramatically.

"Everyone left."

Chloe stared.

"Miles."

He continued.

"Maybe they realized life was better without us."

From behind one of the curtains...

A tiny muffled sound.

Miles heard it.

He almost laughed.

Chloe sighed.

"Stop joking."

Miles walked deeper into the room.

"Hmm."

He deliberately looked toward the hallway.

He raised his voice slightly.

"Looks like Pearl Villa belongs to us now."

Behind the sofa...

Hope covered her mouth.

Asher nearly laughed.

Timothy silently signaled both of them to stay quiet.

Miles walked toward the couch.

Then suddenly stopped.

Chloe looked at him.

"What?"

Miles whispered,

"I heard something."

Hope’s eyes widened behind the sofa.

Asher froze.

Timothy stared at Miles suspiciously.

Miles slowly turned toward Chloe.

"Stay behind me."

Chloe stared.

"Miles..."

"Could be dangerous."

She immediately understood from his expression.

Her eyes narrowed.

He knew.

Miles started walking slowly toward the sofa.

Behind it...

Timothy leaned toward the twins.

"Ready?"

Hope nodded.

Asher nodded.

Miles came closer.

One step.

Two.

Three.

Then suddenly...

He stopped.

Turned away.

And walked toward the opposite side.

The three hiding behind the couch became confused.

Asher whispered,

"Where is he going?"

Hope whispered back,

"Maybe he doesn’t know."

Timothy smiled.

"Wait."

Miles looked toward Chloe.

Then casually said,

"Nobody’s here."

Chloe understood the game now.

She placed a hand over her mouth.

"What a shame."

Miles nodded.

"We traveled for two weeks."

"Brought gifts."

"Missed everyone."

Chloe sighed dramatically.

"And nobody missed us."

Behind the sofa...

Hope’s eyes widened.

Asher immediately looked offended.

Timothy struggled not to laugh.

Miles continued,

"Maybe we should take the gifts back."

That did it.

Hope jumped first.

"NO!"

Miles instantly turned.

"BOO!"

Hope screamed.

Asher screamed because Hope screamed.

Timothy stood up behind them and yelled,

"BOO!"

Chloe screamed too.

Then immediately started laughing.

Miles stared at all three of them.

Hope pointed at him.

"You knew!"

Miles burst into laughter.

Asher came running.

"Big Bro cheated!"

Miles crouched.

Both twins crashed into him.

He wrapped an arm around each.

"You two tried to scare me."

Hope hugged him tightly.

"You were supposed to be scared."

Miles smiled.

"I was terrified."

Asher pulled back.

"You didn’t look scared."

"I hide fear very well."

Hope immediately turned toward Chloe.

"Sister-in-law!"

Chloe opened her arms.

Hope ran into her.

Asher followed.

Chloe nearly lost her balance.

"Oh!"

She laughed and hugged both of them.

"My cuties."

"We missed you!"

Hope squeezed her.

Asher nodded.

"So much."

Chloe kissed Hope’s forehead.

Then Asher’s.

"I missed you both too."

Timothy walked toward Miles.

His smile was wide.

Miles looked at him.

"Welcome home."

Miles smiled.

"Good to be home."

He stepped back.

Then looked at Timothy properly.

"You look stronger."

Timothy proudly straightened his back.

"I am stronger."

Hope immediately shouted,

"Grandpa can walk everywhere now!"

Asher added,

"He doesn’t even need help."

Miles smiled.

"That’s great."

Timothy patted his shoulder.

"I had good trainers."

He pointed toward the twins.

"They don’t let me sit peacefully."

Hope smiled proudly.

"Exercise is important."

Miles laughed.

Chloe looked around again.

"Where is everyone else?"

Hope immediately covered her mouth.

Asher did the same.

Miles noticed.

"What?"

Timothy cleared his throat.

"That..."

Chloe narrowed her eyes.

"What else are you hiding?"

Hope grabbed Chloe’s hand.

"Come."

"Where?"

"Kitchen."

Asher grabbed Miles.

"You too."

Miles allowed himself to be dragged.

Timothy followed behind them.

The kitchen door was closed.

Hope stood proudly before it.

"Ready?"

Chloe looked toward Miles.

Miles shrugged.

"Apparently."

Asher opened the door.

"Surprise!"

Inside...

A tray sat on the counter.

Cookies.

Lots of them.

Some were shaped like hearts.

Some like stars.

Some...

Miles couldn’t identify.

Chloe stared.

Then slowly smiled.

"You made these?"

Hope nodded vigorously.

"Yes!"

Asher immediately added,

"Grandpa taught us."

Timothy crossed his arms proudly.

"Grandpa’s special recipe."

Miles walked closer.

He examined one cookie.

It seemed slightly too dark on one edge.

Another looked perfect.

Then there was one shaped vaguely like a person.

Miles picked it up.

"What is this?"

Hope looked offended.

"That’s you."

Miles stared at it.

Then at her.

"Me?"

"Yes."

He turned the cookie around.

"Why do I have three arms?"

Asher immediately replied,

"That one broke."

Hope glared at him.

"You weren’t supposed to tell."

Miles started laughing.

Chloe picked up another.

"This one is me?"

Hope nodded.

Chloe looked at it.

It had very long hair and an enormous smile.

She laughed.

"I love it."

Timothy walked closer.

"They’ve been practicing."

Miles looked toward him.

"Practicing?"

Asher nodded.

"The first ones were bad."

Hope corrected him.

"Very bad."

Timothy sighed.

"The first batch became charcoal."

Miles laughed.

"The second?"

Hope thought.

"Less charcoal."

Chloe laughed harder.

Timothy pointed toward the tray.

"But these..."

He smiled.

"These are the final ones."

Hope nodded proudly.

"We made them this morning."

Asher immediately grabbed two.

"Don’t eat yet!"

Hope slapped his hand.

"But I made them too."

"They’re for Big Bro and Sister-in-law first."

Asher sighed.

"Fine."

Chloe looked at the tray.

Her expression softened.

"You really did all this for us?"

Hope nodded.

"To welcome you home."

Asher smiled.

"Because we missed you."

Chloe crouched and pulled them both into another hug.

"This might be my favorite welcome ever."

Miles smiled.

Hope looked toward him.

"What about you?"

Miles picked up one cookie.

Then took a bite.

Everyone watched him.

Hope’s eyes widened.

Asher leaned forward.

Timothy suddenly looked nervous.

Miles chewed slowly.

Very slowly.

Hope couldn’t wait anymore.

"How is it?"

Miles remained serious.

Asher asked,

"Good?"

Miles swallowed.

Then nodded.

"Perfect."

Both twins immediately celebrated.

"YES!"

Timothy released a breath.

Chloe took one too.

She bit into it.

Her eyes brightened.

"It’s really good."

Asher immediately grabbed one.

"Now I can eat."

Hope grabbed another.

Timothy took one too.

Within seconds...

The carefully arranged welcome tray had turned into everyone standing around the kitchen eating cookies.