The room fell utterly silent. Sophia's carefully constructed facade crumbled completely, her face contorted with a mixture of rage and humiliation. Her mouth opened to retort, but no words came out. She was clearly taken aback by Shayera's unwavering confidence and the subtle but undeniable power she exuded.
The headmistress, sensing the precariousness of the situation, stepped forward cautiously.
"Ms. Lafayette," she began, attempting to diffuse the tension.
"Let's not escalate this further. I assure you, we will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that a fair resolution is reached."
Shayera nodded curtly, her gaze still fixed on Sophia.
"I expect nothing less," she said coolly. Then, turning to Aella and Zephyr, she offered them a reassuring smile.
"Come on, my loves," she said softly.
The warmth of the Parisian evening seemed to seep into Shayera's bones as she stood on the balcony, gazing out at the sprawling cityscape. The sounds of Aella and Zephyr's laughter, echoing from within the apartment, were a comforting counterpoint to the lingering tension of the day.
"No, my loves," she murmured softly, responding to Zephyr's earlier question.
"You didn't do anything wrong. Sometimes, people are just unkind for no reason. But Mommy will always be here for you, always."
The kiss she bestowed upon each of her children was filled with a fierce protectiveness—a silent promise that she would shield them from any harm or negativity.
Her phone rang, pulling her back to the present. She glanced at the caller ID and a smile touched her lips.
"Grandma Su?"
"Darling, where are you?" Grandma Su's voice, warm and familiar, crackled through the speaker. It was a voice that held a lifetime of wisdom, love, and unwavering support.
Shayera leaned against the balcony railing, letting the cool evening air wash over her.
"Just dealing with a minor… incident at the children's school," she replied, carefully omitting the details of her confrontation with Sophia.
"Oh, those little rascals," Grandma Su chuckled knowingly.
"Always stirring up trouble, aren't they? But I'm sure they're just full of energy and curiosity."
"They are," Shayera agreed with a smile.
"And sometimes, that energy gets them into a bit of a pickle."
There was a pause as Grandma Su gathered her thoughts.
"Listen, darling."
"Mmm?"
"I am opening up a restaurant in Japan and I would like to teach these chefs culinary lessons what I am asking is if you are capable of moving to Japan for 7 months teach these people and make my new restaurant famous?" Grandma Su asked.
"Grandma Su," Shayera said her eyes slightly narrowed.
"Not only that you are a wonderful pastry chef I would love it if you can help with that, this the favor I am asking," Grandma Su said.
Shayera's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise and apprehension crossing her face. The prospect of moving to Japan for seven months was a significant undertaking, especially with Aella and Zephyr in tow. It would disrupt their routines, uproot their lives, and require a considerable amount of planning and logistics.
But the offer itself was undeniably tempting. Grandma Su's culinary empire spanned continents, and her restaurants were renowned for their exquisite cuisine and impeccable service. To be entrusted with the task of training a team of chefs and launching a new establishment was an incredible opportunity—a chance to showcase her own culinary talents on a global stage.
"Grandma Su," Shayera said slowly, carefully weighing her options.
"That's… quite a request."
"I know it is, darling," Grandma Su replied patiently.
"But I believe in you. Don't worry this restaurant will be in Osaka City, I already have a villa for you in one of the most richest neighborhoods and yeah."
"Okay I will agree only because I owe you one," Shayera said.
Grandma Su let out a delighted squeal that echoed through the phone.
"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! I knew you wouldn't let me down, my dear. I'll have my people contact you to discuss the details—visa, schooling for the children, travel arrangements… everything. You just focus on bringing your magic to my kitchen."
She paused, her voice softening with genuine affection.
"And darling? Don't worry about a thing. You are strong, resourceful, and surrounded by love. You can handle anything that comes your way."
Shayera smiled, feeling a surge of warmth and reassurance wash over her. Grandma Su always had a way of making everything seem possible.
"Thank you, Grandma," she said sincerely.
"I appreciate it."
"Now go enjoy your evening with those precious little ones," Grandma Su said with a chuckle.
"Oh yes before I forget Grandma Su don't worry about schooling I will handle it," Shayera said as she hanged up and walked inside.
"What do you guys think about moving to Japan?" Shayera asked the twins. Since the twins were born Shayera had traveled a lot of places with them from Africa, India, Canada, Russia, England, Scotland, Japan, China, Thailand, Honk Kong, and countless of other countries the kids like her love to travel.
Aella and Zephyr, who had been engrossed in a game of building blocks, looked up at Shayera with wide, curious eyes. The prospect of a new adventure clearly excited them.
"Japan!" Aella exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
"Will there be cherry blossoms?"
"And sushi!" Zephyr added enthusiastically.
"Lots and lots of sushi!"
Shayera chuckled at their eagerness.
"Yes, darling," she said to Aella.
"There will be beautiful cherry blossoms. And yes, Little Galaxy," she said to Zephyr, ruffling his hair playfully.
"We'll eat so much sushi that we'll turn into little fish!"
The twins giggled at the silly image, their faces alight with anticipation.
"Will we meet new friends?"
"Mmm pack whatever you want mama is going to sleep."
Shayera smiled, her heart swelling with love for her little ones. The thought of embarking on another adventure with them filled her with a sense of excitement and purpose.
"Of course, you'll make lots of new friends," she said reassuringly.
"Japan is a wonderful place, full of friendly people and exciting things to see and do."
She paused, considering how to explain the situation to them in a way they could understand.
"It's going to be a long trip but we will have fun," she said.
"Mama has to go help Grandma Su make delicious food for everyone."
Aella nodded thoughtfully.
"Like the cakes you make?"
"Exactly!" Shayera replied, beaming.
"I'll be teaching chefs how to make the best cakes and pastries in the world."
That night they all went to sleep.
Friday a neighbor took Shayera and her two little one to the airport the flight from Pairs it is 21 hours.