waking

8.Chapter 8 Barbara

The sleek black Bentley pulled up to the Spring Villa, and Naomi stepped out. She opened the rear door of this specially modified car for Shawn’s wheelchair to easily roll out.

“We’re here, Mr. Fischer,” she said.

Shawn slowly opened his eyes. After he took a look outside. his face turned cold right away. Someone had the nerve to come to his private estate without asking. Well, only his grandmother didn’t flinch at the thought of him in Atopan.

Wearing a scowl, Shawn got out of the car. It was tough for Naomi to tell if he was angry because his jagged scars hid his true feelings, but the intense look in his eyes and the deep furrows between his brows indicated that he was in a foul mood.

Word on the street was that Shawn had a volatile, mean streak, and Naomi wasn’t trying to get on his bad side, especially not now.

Shawn didn’t quite trust her, so Naomi knew she had to be super careful with every move she made.

After Shawn got out of the car sulkily, Naomi started pushing his wheelchair toward the villa. When they got through the main door, Carla rushed over.

“Mr. Fischer, Mrs. Fischer is here,” Carla said to Shawn.

“Okay.” Shawn uttered a word. Then he said, “Naomi, let’s head to the living room.”

“Yes, Mr. Fischer,” Naomi replied.

“Here’s your chance to shine,” Shawn suddenly hinted with a slight curve of his lips. “Win Barbara’s heart, and you can stay. I won’t kick you out again.”

Naomi quickly answered, “Sure, I’ll get it done.”

Her response was quick. Shawn narrowed his eyes. Was she really that eager to show her gratitude, or was she plotting something else?

As they entered the living room, Naomi met a piercing gaze.

Seated on the couch was an elderly lady with a kind face yet sharp eyes. She wore a deep blue cashmere floral top with a cozy cardigan over it, black slacks, and comfy indoor slippers. Her hair was pinned up in a bun, and she was adorned with pearl accessories around her neck and ears, with makeup that was perfectly suited for her age, elegant and naturally commanding.

The lady also sized Naomi up, and as she did, the sharpness in her gaze softened. She motioned to the composed and confident young woman in front of her. “Come here,” she said.

Naomi walked over obediently and bowed respectfully when she got close. “Good to see you, Mrs. Fischer.”

She guessed this was Shawn’s grandmother, the powerhouse of the Fischer family who spoiled Shawn rotten.

Back in her previous life, she knew that Shawn was an orphan raised by his grandmother, but that was about all the info she had.

Barbara scrutinized Naomi carefully, her eyes lingering on Naomi’s large, expressive eyes, delicate high nose, flawless skin, and plump lips. She noted Naomi’s slightly pointed chin and nice figure, imagining what she would look like if she was carrying a baby.

Naomi’s long, soft hair reached her waist, making her delicate face look even more gorgeous.

“Pretty good.” Barbara approved of Naomi at first glance. “Carla, make sure to cook some hearty meals for her.”

Carla quickly responded, “Yes, Mrs. Fischer.”

“What’s your name?” Barbara asked.

She then pulled Naomi to sit beside her and examined her long fingers. They seemed ideal for playing the piano. “How old are you? How many people are there in your family? Do you have a boyfriend? Can you play the piano? Do you like kids?”

Naomi responded, “Mrs. Fischer, my name is Naomi. I’m 20 years old. I don’t have a boyfriend. I can’t play the piano, and yes, I do like children.”

In her previous life, Naomi hadn’t had any kids, and it had always been a regret for her. This time around, if possible, she wanted a life like any other girl’s. She’d experience genuine love, get married, have kids, and live a content and simple life.

Of course, all these dreams hinged on one thing. She had to completely get rid of the scumbag from her previous life.

Naomi replied to Barbara in a gentle and sweet tone, her hands resting on her knees in a polite and respectful manner.

Barbara had always had a soft spot for pleasing things, especially pretty girls with good personalities. She’d been through a lot in her life and wasn’t looking for a strong-willed woman to either adorn or burden her grandson’s life.

She’d tried introducing various girls to him in the past, each with their own unique character, but none of them had ever stayed. Watching Naomi push Shawn in without a trace of dislike from him made her think that maybe, just maybe, this was it.

The usual harshness in Barbara’s look softened into a friendly smile on her lined face.

“Naomi, dear, what exactly is your relationship with my grandson Shawn?” Barbara asked.

“I’m his personal assistant,” Naomi replied.

Barbara slapped her thigh in delight. “A personal assistant, that’s excellent! Shawn takes good care of his assistants, especially the personal ones. Do a good job and, besides Shawn’s salary to you, I’ll add something extra on top.”

Naomi replied without surprise, “Thanks so much, but no need for the extra money. Getting the chance to repay Mr. Fischer for saving my life is already more than I could ask for.”

“I do some part-time work online. It’s enough to support myself,” she added.

She was being totally sincere. Shawn had saved her not just once, but twice in two different lives. It wouldn’t sit right with her to use him for her own gain and then take his money on top of that.

Naomi continued, “And since I’m staying in the Spring Villa for free, I don’t have many expenses. My main goal is just to show my gratitude to Mr. Fischer for saving me. Helping him out is all the reward I need.”

Hearing this made Barbara even more pleased with Naomi.

Barbara could see that Naomi was a grateful and kind girl. The fact that she stood beside Shawn so coolly, without being freaked out by his legs that had nearly been destroyed, already put her miles ahead of the other women.

Thinking back to the medical report Oscar had brought over, Barbara was sure of it. With such a good candidate right in front of her, she didn’t see the need to introduce any more girls to Shawn. Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t be too long before she could cuddle a great-grandchild.

Barbara asked, “You are 20, so you’re still in college? Will the job as Shawn’s personal assistant interfere with your academic work?”

Naomi answered, “I’ve actually graduated early, Mrs. Fischer.”

Barbara nodded, her approval of Naomi growing. Early graduation meant she was smart, and Barbara liked smart girls who were also pretty.

“What was your major?” Barbara asked.

“I majored in design. I studied many things like fashion, jewelry, interior design, and architecture,” Naomi answered.

Barbara said, “Well, just call me Grandma Barbara.”

Barbara took Naomi’s hand. She pulled out a box from her purse and placed it in her hand. “I really like you, so take this, dear.”

“Thank you, Grandma Barbara, but I can’t accept this.” Naomi refused.

Naomi was wary of accepting gifts. She needed to win this elderly lady’s heart, but she also couldn’t let Shawn think she was after the Fischer family fortune.