The Sparrow Returns to Her Tree

"Good morning, Madame!" Multiple guards lined up and greeted respectfully as a woman wearing a velvet trouser suit entered the private arrival lounge — it was Rosaria.

She moved gracefully, her presence commanding attention. The guards stepped aside slightly, allowing her to pass. She nodded briefly in acknowledgment, her eyes scanning the room with a calm, calculating gaze. Bert was following behind her.

A subtle smile played on her lips as she took a seat.

"Time," she said.

"7 a.m., Madame," Bert responded cautiously.

"Where is..." She was about to ask him something when someone called her.

"Aunt!" a young woman called out, dressed in a luxurious formal top and chino pants. Her outfit was neat and stylish. Her smile radiated warmth and delight, lighting up the private lounge with a welcoming glow.

"Sweetheart!" Rosaria greeted her cheerfully, with elegance.

The young woman excitedly hugged her and asked, "I missed you! How are you?!"

"No, how are you? How was the flight?" Rosaria asked, smiling.

"Great. You know my airline is the best, right?" the young woman teased playfully.

"Of course, my dear," Rosaria replied.

As they eased away from the warm embrace, Rosaria noticed that the young woman looked around the place so she looked at Bert with a sudden stern gaze.

"Bonjour, Mademoiselle. Good morning," Bert greeted the young woman.

He gestured toward the exit. "My name is Bert, and I'm the leader of the protection team assigned to escort you and the Madame. My team is waiting outside."

"Your team, you say?" Rosaria asked, piercing him with a sharp look.

"Y-Yes, Madame. Roy — Roy is outside waiting," Bert answered hastily.

"He's late?" Rosaria inquired.

"Just in time, Madame," Bert replied with a weary smile.

Noticing the tension, the young woman smiled warmly and said, "It's fine, Aunt."

She looked at Bert and greeted him, "Good morning. Thank you, Bert. Please lead the way."

Bert sighed in relief when he received Ards's message a few seconds earlier: Roy and Elle were already outside.

Perfect timing, I guess, he thought.

Meanwhile, outside the airport.

Elle and I stood beside a sleek luxury sedan, ready for our VIP guests. I adjusted my suit carefully, keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings.

"You look good. Don't worry," Elle teased, a playful smile on her face.

I offered a small smile but chose not to respond.

"Ed," I whispered softly into the microphone, my tone low and steady.

"All clear," Ed replied instantly through our covert earpiece.

Just then, the airport door swung open, and a bodyguard stepped out, escorting our guests into the private terminal.

I watched as they emerged, and my gaze immediately caught her — a familiar feeling stirred within me.

There she was—Callista Adeline De Rohan, known to us as Cali—smiling and talking to Madame Rosaria. Her presence was elegant and warm, just as I remembered. Her smile was still the same, yet somehow different. Had she changed? Or had I simply forgotten? How many years had it been since I last saw her in person? Seven, maybe more.

"Roy!" I was lost in thought when Bert called my name. They were already in front of me.

Elle looked surprised. She hadn't expected me to lose focus.

"You became a sturdy tree," she said, approaching me with a warm smile.

It was a genuine, bright smile — the kind that could lift your spirits. Her hair was shorter now; it suited her. She still had those lively eyes. But what had changed?

"Roy!" This time, it was Madame Rosaria calling out to me.

"Yes?" I responded, blankly, my mind still elsewhere.

"You are still as pretty as I remembered," I murmured softly, turning my gaze back to Callista standing before me.

Bert was stunned.

Elle looked surprised.

The bodyguards gasped.

Madame Rosaria's expression shifted to one of amazement.

Callista looked surprised too, a flicker of happiness crossing her face.

She gestured with a thumbs-up and said with an excited smile, "Of course — the prettiest, right?"

My eyes widened in shock — not just because of her words, but because of what I had just said. Even I was taken aback.

She's still her. Nothing's changed?, I thought.

"The prettiest sparrow is back." Callista gazed at me with a warm smile and a longing look in her eyes.

Everyone fell silent, no one speaking.

After a moment, Madame Rosaria approached me, softly laughing, her elegance shining through. "You surprised me."

Elle stepped forward, opening the car door and gesturing for Madame Rosaria and Callista to enter.

"Miss, Madame, please," she said gently.

Madame Rosaria nodded softly and entered. Callista smiled at me and followed.

"Thank you!" she said to Elle.

Elle returned her smile and closed the door.

She sighed softly after closing it and then asked me, "What?"

Bert gratefully hugged Elle, tears in his eyes. "Thank you for saving us!"

The guards still watched us intently. I looked at them and offered a small smile.

Bert headed to the driver's seat, while I settled into the passenger side.

The guards eventually moved to their escort vans as well.

As we headed toward the Grand Palacio Hotel, Madame Rosaria said, "You're late."

I looked at her through the rearview mirror and responded, "Just in time, Madame. Sorry."

Hmph. Madame Rosaria asked, "And my request?"

"Done. The painting will be delivered to the hotel by the owner himself," I said confidently.

"Give me a detailed report on what happened later," she pressed.

"Understood. I will share everything that occurs later with you, Madame," I replied obediently.

Madame Rosaria smiled but didn't respond.

"Painting?" Callista asked curiously.

"A gift for your grandfather's upcoming birthday," Madame Rosaria replied, holding Callista's hand warmly.

"I see. I also prepared a gift," Callista said with a smile.

"Matt... I mean Roy, come with us and greet grandfather on his birthday," Callista added eagerly.

"You can't say no," Madame Rosaria said firmly.

Bert looked at me nervously while driving.

I glanced at them in the rearview mirror. "Understood."

"Hey!" Callista exclaimed.

"I just realized now..." she continued.

Bert looked at me nervously again, still driving.

Focus, I signaled silently to Roy.

"What is it, Miss?" I asked.

"You're not asking yet. How am I? What happened to me? Any news?" she pressed. "Nothing yet — Hey! And what's with 'Miss'? Are we strangers now?" she exclaimed.

Madame Rosaria watched us with amusement, clearly enjoying the scene.

Bert drove on, tears in his eyes now, smiling tiredly.

"I—I'm sorry, we're at work," I responded helplessly.

"Then, let's talk later, okay?" Callista said softly.

"Understood. After my detailed report to the Madame," I nodded.

"She's not calling you by your name, and she's still calling me Madame — not Aunt," Callista teased.

"That's true," Callista said, eyes warm but sharp.

I just smiled, saying nothing, tears welling in Bert's eyes.

I knew why Bert was nervous. We were dealing with two of France's most influential and powerful people. Any mistake could lead to disaster. He wasn't sure if this was a celebration or a brewing calamity.

"Just one question..." Callista hesitated.

"What is it, Miss?" I looked at her through the rearview mirror, Bert doing the same.

"Just this, and I won't ask again until we arrive at the hotel," she said reassuringly.

"Sure. What is it?" I prompted.

"Am I... am I still your sparrow?" she asked softly, bashfully.

"Oh." Madame's eyes widened as she looked at me with anticipation.

Bert also looked worriedly at me, tears still flowing.