Shopping Presents.

Leo finished the day on a high note, and bade farewell to the viewers before having dinner and turning in for the day. They were sitting in the living room, when Snow asked, "What are you thinking about?" 

Leo replied, "You remember the private investigator I told you about?" 

Snow nodded and Leo told her that he needed to go and give him the rest of the payment tonight. Snow asked, "What about the investigation results?" 

Leo replied, "I will check the evidence he gives me today. On the call he said that the story checks out. So I think it is alright. Although I will let go of my grudge, I have no intention to bring him back in my life. This should be apparent as he has been texting me these past couple of days, but since I did not reply, he stopped." 

Snow thought and said, "While I may be a bit too paranoid about getting involved with Jimmy and Alina, I think that if he is trying to reach out you should talk to him a bit. Leo, I will not stop you since you have decided to take this path, but if this is what you want to do, do it properly. 

Alina was once the sweetheart of Carole Primus, she must know a few things that nobody did. Jimmy also would be wary of approaching us too much because I am sure that the impact of Carole's doings is not wasted on him yet. 

Since you plan to play chess on a broader scale, better consider these people your pawns and use them wisely." 

Leo was surprised but then he recalled her real identity and his state of mind also underwent a change. He nodded and said, "Thank you, My love. You have taught me a good thing." 

Snow smiled and said, "It is my pleasure, Honey." 

The two sat together for a bit and then Leo left the house in his Suv. He parked the car outside the market, and traversed the place on foot. 

Marco was sitting inside the shop and he was eating the ramen like last time. Leo sat across from him, and asked, "The evidence." 

Marco frowned but when he saw the uncaring face of the young man, he took out a yellow paper envelope. Leo also did the same, and they both exchanged at the same time. The young man took a peek at the content and said, "I will contact you in the future. If you work well, the payment won't be shabby." 

Marco smiled and said, "Rest assured, I will do my best. It was nice doing business with you."

Leo then left the shop and went straight to his car. Then he drove away, and opened the envelope only when he was back inside his house. Snow looked at the content which confirmed that the story Jimmy told was true, and asked, "What do you intend to do now?" 

Leo thought for a bit and said, "How about I go to the hospital and check up on his wife and child?" 

Snow nodded and said, "Tell me if you need me to go there." 

Leo shook his head and replied, "It is a bit too soon for you to 'forgive' them. Just wait for a few days. Also, can we get a cat?" 

Snow was surprised at the randomness of this question and asked, "Where did this come from?" 

Leo replied, "Lily wants a cat. I promised to get her one for her birthday." 

Snow frowned and then sighed, as she said, "Fine, but you have to get the cat litter trained and also properly vaccinated. You will have to brush her daily, and cut her nails regularly. I do not want to see any marks on my furniture. Do you understand?" 

Leo nodded forcefully and saluted her. He said, "Yes, Ma'am." 

The two then went to sleep and Leo began to think about getting a ring for her along with the cat.

…

The next morning, Leo worked out and then prepared a light breakfast for the trio, and went to take a shower. Lily woke up a bit late and Snow helped her dress up and Leo then sent the girl to the school. Snow also went to the office on her own. 

Leo received a call from Percie Hibiscal, he was called for a meeting. Leo agreed and asked her to come to an animal adoption center. Percie was surprised but she agreed as well. 

The young man dressed up properly, and left the house in his car. After half an hour of driving, he arrived at the animal shelter and found a luxury sedan parked on the side of the road. The young man spotted Percie Hibiscal standing in the shade on the side. 

They waved at each other and Leo called her over to his side. They stood outside the shelter and Leo asked, "Is there anything?" 

Percie nodded and said, "I have documents that need to be signed." 

Leo extended his hand and the girl gave him a file. Leo opened it and flipped the pages, after a few minutes, he took a pen and signed the document. The process of manufacturing the mobile phone was authorized. Leo said, "Would you like to come in and help me select a cat for my daughter? We can talk about work there as well." 

The two of them entered the center and Leo approached the reception counter, and asked, "Hi, do you have cats for adoption?"

The person behind the counter smiled and said, "Greetings. Thank you for taking interest in this noble cause. Yes, we do have a few kittens up for adoption. If you could follow me."

Leo nodded and the two people followed the person inside the center and Leo asked, "What did you want to talk about?"

Percie replied calmly, "President, the first product would be going through beta testing soon. Have you decided on a name?"

Leo thought for a bit and said, "Do you have any suggestions?"

Percie replied, "Butterfly Monarch. What do you think?"

The young man shrugged and said, "Good enough, however, make sure that the hardware and the software all are checked thoroughly. Also, get the tech team to apply all the patents they can find. Keep the assembly plant tight on security."

Percie Hibiscal nodded and agreed to the suggestions. The shelter operative led them to the place where a few kittens were placed inside different cages. They all appeared shy and adorable. Leo looked at the cages and he found that this place only had one gray kitten. 

The gray kitten was looking at Leo but as soon as their eyes matched, the kitten turned away and acted as if it didn't see him. Leo smiled and walked up to the cage and crouched on the ground before he asked, "Little one do you want to come with me?"

The gray kitten turned to look at him and meowed. Leo smiled and tapped the floor with the tip of his finger and he looked at the staff, "Do you provide litter training here?"

The staff nodded and replied, "She is already trained. She might not look like it but she is one month old."

Leo nodded and said, "I will take her."

The staff smiled and said, "Please come with me. We can write you up immediately."

Leo nodded and told Percie to go back and handle the work if she was done here. The lady left and shared the information about the company office. 

The staff led him to deal with the paperwork and when everything was finished, "You can come over the day after tomorrow and take her home. I will have her dewormed and go through other health checks."

Leo agreed and left the place to head to the Sundial Mall. He was going to buy a diamond solitaire for Snow. His speed was fast, the young man came to one of the best jewellery shops and was greeted by an attendant. 

Leo nodded and asked, "Can you recommend a solitaire ring?"

The attendant smiled and said, "Please come with me, Sir."

They came to the section where rings were showcased and after some pondering, Leo selected a ring and asked, "How much is this worth?"

The lady checked the price and then reported, "This is worth 8,999 Ren."

Leo nodded and said, "I'll take it. Please wrap it up nicely."

The lady nodded and after paying Leo left the store with the ring. Then he bought a few things that were needed for the kitten, pair of brushes and cat food. After a few minutes, Leo headed back home, and emptied the kiln. 

He began to pick things up and called up the courier company to pick up the orders and transfer them to the addresses of the viewers. Leo had finished his work and was about to have his lunch when Jimmy called him. 

Leo picked up the call and said, "Hello."

Jimmy said, "Leo, Alina is in labor. Can you come over? I am feeling very anxious."