Grandma’s Got My Back

"I heard a little," Pa Alfred said, settling into the armchair across from him. "Your tone says the rest."

Raymond let out a slow breath. "Someone tried to sabotage her. Gave her false information about the meeting's focus. Could've been a disaster."

"But it wasn't," Pa Alfred said, raising a brow.

Raymond's lips twitched slightly. "No, it wasn't. She owned the room, Pa. She turned that moment into magic. Even Nicholas Adamson couldn't stop watching her."

Pa Alfred chuckled lightly. "Sounds like she's full of fire."

"She is. Venus has this spark, this ability to speak and make everyone listen, like she's telling a story only you can hear."

He paused, then added more softly, "But I saw the look in her eyes afterwards. She was hurt. Not just by the stunt, but by the fact that someone in that office… wanted her to fail."

Pa Alfred nodded knowingly. "Envy is an old, hungry wolf, but it always leaves a trail."

Raymond walked over and sat on the couch besides him. "I promised her grandmother tonight. I'm going to handle it tomorrow. Whoever was behind it—it ends now."

Pa Alfred gave him a long look. "You've come a long way from that restless boy I used to scold for climbing kitchen counters."

Raymond smiled faintly. "You mean the counters you told me not to climb because I'd break my neck or your favourite plates?"

"The plates, definitely," Pa Alfred said with a grin, then his voice softened. "You've grown into a man people can rely on. You saw injustice today, and you're acting on it."

Raymond swirled the tea in his cup, the scent calming. "She didn't deserve what happened. She's brilliant, hardworking, and kind. And funny as hell."

Pa Alfred's eyes narrowed just slightly. "Mm. Kind. Brilliant. Funny. I see."

Raymond glanced at him. "What's that look?"

"Oh, nothing," Pa Alfred said, clearly amused. "Just… I've seen that look before. On your face. Many years ago. You were fifteen and head over heels for the girl who sold snacks after school."

Raymond laughed. "Angela, the snacks girl? Pa Alfred, please."

"I'm just saying," Alfred said, leaning back, "don't lie to yourself. I've known you long enough to recognise when something—or someone—has gotten under your skin."

Raymond's smile faded into something thoughtful. "Maybe. But I'm not rushing anything. Not with her. She deserves better than office gossip and side-eyes."

Pa Alfred stood and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then protect her. Not just from others—but from yourself too. If your intentions are pure, the rest will fall into place."

Raymond nodded, slowly rising to his feet. "You're right, as always."

"That's what I'm here for," Pa Alfred said with a wink.

Raymond chuckled. "Alright, old man. Time for bed."

"I'm not that old," Alfred said as they both headed for the hallway.

"You have knee cream and a back massager. You're definitely old."

"You gifted me both!"

"Exactly."

They shared a quiet laugh as they reached the corridor. At the fork, they paused.

"Goodnight, son," Pa Alfred said with warmth.

"Goodnight, Pa. Alfred, and thanks—for everything."

Pa Alfred smiled, gave a small nod, and walked off towards his quarters.

Raymond stood for a second longer before heading to his room.

As he closed the door behind him, he murmured to himself, "Tomorrow, Rose. You'll learn there are lines you don't cross."

And with that, he set his alarm, placed his phone on the nightstand, and climbed into bed—his mind filled with thoughts of a woman with fire in her eyes and laughter in her voice.

Morning sunlight poured gently through the half-open curtains. The scent of something delicious floated from the kitchen.

Venus slowly stirred on her bed.

and sat up, stretched her arms, and yawned. "Mmm… what is that smell?"

She rubbed her eyes and stood, then tiptoed into the kitchen.

"Grandma?"

Her grandmother stood by the stove, already dressed in a neat blue skirt and blouse and matching sneakers.

Her back was straight, and her movements were sharp and precise, just like in her old martial arts days.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," her grandmother said without turning. "You finally decided to wake up."

Venus blinked in surprise. "Grandma, you're already dressed? Wait—are you expecting a visitor or something?"

Grandma turned around with a knowing look and pointed her spatula at her. "Yes. The visitor's name is Trouble. And I'm going to meet it head-on."

Venus raised her brows. "Grandma…"

"I'm following you to that office today," she said firmly. "To teach whoever tried to sabotage your presentation a lesson they won't forget."

Venus burst out laughing and walked over to hug her tightly. "Grandma, please! You'll go viral on social media."

"I don't care about that internet talk," she said with a wave of her hand. "You don't touch my granddaughter and go scot-free. I taught you how to fight for a reason."

Venus pulled back from the hug and smiled warmly. "Thanks, Grandma. But don't worry. I already gave her a lesson yesterday—with the standing ovation I got."

She gave her a proud nod. "That's my girl."

Venus looked at her plate and reached for a slice of fried plantain. "And besides, if you show up at my office looking like you're about to dropkick someone, security might just offer you a job."

Her grandmother chuckled, flipping the eggs in the pan. "I still have some moves left. Just say the word."

Venus giggled, then added, "Well, if you do come… please don't wear heels. I don't want to explain to HR how a grandma ended up chasing someone through the hallway."

They both burst into laughter.

"Eat your breakfast," Grandma Katherine said, pointing to the table.

Venus sat down, her heart feeling lighter. "Thanks for being here, Grandma. Really."

"You don't have to thank me. We don't give up in this family, Venus. And we don't let people dim our shine."

Venus smiled and nodded. After finishing her breakfast, she grabbed her bag, checked herself in the hallway mirror, and gave her Grandmother a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Love you, Grandma."

"Go and show them what you're made of."

As Venus walked to the car, she felt more like herself again. Her confidence had returned.

She got into her sleek black car and drove off, her fingers lightly tapping the steering wheel as her favourite playlist played in the background.

As she reached the office gate, her eyes caught a familiar car pulling in from the other entrance.

It was Raymond, the CEO.

At the exact moment she drove in, he also did and....