His Contractual Mistress

Vincent was missing those moments before that he spent time with his dad, which made him guilty to admit it, that now, he is happier to spend time with Hailey than his parents. 

Vince smiled upon having these thoughts. He is certain that his mom would dig a pit for him once she learned what he was thinking at the moment. Sometimes, he would like to assume that his mom is a jealous person. Well, she is. But she never expressed her affection but anger. 

However, the time has come for things to change. And this is what he wanted his mom to comprehend. 

"Dad, I mean it about you and mom, have a vacation to the places you would like to visit. You both are not getting younger."

"I would love that, son. But I could not convince your mom, even to visit her family in the province. I love to breathe some fresh air on the island."

Indeed, the Lopez family was from one of many islands in P Country. They owned several hotels and Resorts, and it labeled them as world-class places for a tour and vacation getaway.

"You and mom need that, dad."

"I will try to persuade your mom again. Hoping this time, she'll not reject me. You know how strong-willed your mom is."

"Of course, dad." Vince concurred. He opens the fridge and takes out one bottled water. He emptied the content then put away the bottle.

Vincent stretches his arm to get two cups from the cupboard, then sets them down on the placemat on the table. 

The coffee has been made brewing. Fred drew the pot out of the coffee maker, and Vincent watched the black liquid pouring on his mug.

"Thanks, dad." He said, then bring the cup close to his mouth to blow on it. He remembers his first cup of coffee with his dad. It makes him happy because his mother only wanted to feed him with protein such as milk even when he was in his pre-teens stage.

"Son, tell me. You didn't speak with me in private to talk about this, right?"

"Well, partly, dad. It will involve mom soon because you will bring her with you."

Fred stared at his son. He had many questions inside his head, but he had to be patient and let Vincent continue to discuss the important things he wished to talk about.

"I'm listening, son," Fred said.

"Dad, the Davies Group emailed me my first project for them."

"Wow. They are surely working even on Sunday, huh? Wait..." Fred halted to process Vincent's entire phrases. He queried his son, "First project? Are you telling me they are going to give you multiple projects, son?"

Fred watches Vincent nod. Now an excitement crept toward his chest. It's good news, of course!

It only means that they are offering them a long-term contract. It will be more work for Shen's employees, particularly their engineers and their Construction Labor Team. They have to bring a hundred of their workers to Australia soon!

"You heard right, dad. It's urgent, so they are working even on Sundays. They demanded to finish at least sixty percent of the entire city. That is why I need your help."

"Anything, son! As long as beyond my capabilities, I would love to lean a hand."

"Thanks, dad! It's not that biggie, dad. I just wanted you to check on the company once in a while if I have to stay in Australia for a longer time in the next months. Actually, it will be for several years, dad."

"Is that all?" 

"No. I also need you to attend my overseas meetings with our International Investors."

"Of course, son! No, problem!" Nodding, Fred accepted his son's request. It made him happy to work again. In this way, he could stay away from Hilda once in a while. It was what was running inside Fred's head. But then, he realizes one thing. "Son, this is the vacation you are talking about that I need to bring your mom around?"

Vincent casually sips on his cup. He didn't meet his dad's eyes, and so Fred finally understood.

'This son of mine is truly cunning, as his mother in some way!'

Fred put down his cup on the table. He leans back in his chair. His eyes didn't leave gaping at his son but studied his expressionless face.

'He is playing hard to read now.' Fred mumbled to his head. 'However, he has forgotten that I am his father.'

"Hmm... You are giving me this task, and so your mom and I will be out of the country frequently. Am I right?"

Vincent could not deny it anymore. It is his purpose, but that is only partly to the bigger task he assigns his dad.

"Dad, going out of the country for a business trip is not the big deal I want from you, but your supervision of our ongoing projects. The email I received today is something I never imagined... Well, I dream big, dad. But I never comprehended that it is bigger than I sought for."

"You are making me insanely curious, Vincent. Can you tell me everything straightway?" This son of mine wants me to have a heart attack from excitement!

"Dad, they want me to beat the tower that holds the record for the tallest skyscraper in the world," Vincent stated.

"Vincent, you are saying... You will build the tallest building in the entire world?" Surprised written all over Fred's face. He breathed in to calm down.

Suddenly, his heart rate is rising. It was because of the excitement he is feeling right now. Fred stood on his feet and strides closer toward Vincent.

"I'm so proud of you, son! Congratulations!"

"Thank you, dad. But you didn't hear yet how much they fund for this project." Vincent plans to stay

"Right, it overwhelmed me with your news, that's why." Fred chuckled awkwardly, at the same time now very intrigued. He went back to his chair and waited for Vincent to continue.

"Dad..." Vincent stops to deliver his speech with a thrill. He is hiding the playful smirk on the corner of his mouth, not to make fun of his dad.

Fred held his breath. And the numbers Vincent mentioned almost give him a heart attack. The sum is only for his son's first project. This amount is only part of what the SHEN GROUP would receive!

"Son, a twenty-billion-dollar skyscraper? And we are talking about US dollar here!" Fred blurts out. He just imagined how many zeros that was. He couldn't stop getting excited.

"Yes, dad. That is why I want you to watch the production of the materials we needed."

"Of course, son! Instantly, I have to tell your mom to pack up our luggage to visit LSI without delay! We need to hire more workers, son."

"Yes, dad. I am thinking about that too. Next week, I need to prepare for my presentation. So, can you attend a few of my dinner meetings, dad?"

"Sure, son! No problem! Starting tomorrow, I will show up at the office. Let me handle all of your meetings with our business partners."

"Thanks, dad!" Vincent smiled. If he were to ask what is his favorite bonding time with his dad?

His answer would be boring for many. But discussing their company and his dreams has what become his favorite bonding time.

Besides, he could not only manage their company but also work on his passion, and that was designing, and construction.