Larry's knees nearly buckled, his voice shaking as he stuttered, "Sir, I... I didn't mean that... I'll deliver your message to Dale at once."
"Good, I wish to see Astrid in person." After Johnnie finished, Larry stumbled out of the room in a hurry.
Johnnie sauntered over to his easel, splashing water on a blank canvas.
Seconds later, a face slowly began to appear. It was Astrid.
Johnnie reached out, gently tracing the woman's face on the canvas, and chuckled, "Elio, Elio, it's not just your CEO position I want, but your woman too."
He then pressed down harder, his fingernail tearing through the damp canvas, and the portrait was ruined.
Astrid was spending the day at home with her son, Roman. They had just finished lunch when Elio arrived, arms laden with shopping bags.
Curious, Roman rummaged through the bags and exclaimed, "Elio, why did you buy so many clothes?"
Elio replied, "They're not for you, they're for your mother."
Roman looked annoyed which made Astrid ruffle his hair, "Don't be mad, Roman. Elio's taste is awful anyway. I'll take you shopping for matching outfits, just the two of us, without him."
Roman immediately brightened up, "Yes!!!"
Elio was left speechless.
After they had put the clothes away and Roman had gone for his nap, Elio turned to Astrid, "You're meeting with Johnnie?"
"Yep." Astrid bit into an apple, munching contentedly.
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