Filed to story: A Little Princess's Journey from Darkness to Light Novel
“Your heart called out to me…” Sam remarked.
“Oh!” Priscilla thought of something. “Don’t you work for Crawford Holdings? Can you sneak me in? I want to apologize to Mr. Crawford in person.”
“You don’t need to,” Sam reassured her.
“I have to. You don’t know how guilty I felt when I saw those nasty comments about Lilly. She’s only four! I could have stopped the fight if I hadn’t been lost in thoughts about you.”
Sam had never met a girl as kind and pure as Priscilla before. He relented, “I can try. But the administration floor is different from the CEO floor. He works on the 66th floor. We don’t have clearance.”
“It’s okay. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Priscilla gave Sam a light peck on the cheek. Since he was already running late, he decided to take a half-day leave. The couple then headed to the office building in the afternoon.
…
Located in the central area of the new economic zone, there stood a dome-shaped building that belonged to Crawford Holdings. It was a multi-function complex. The first 30 floors served as a hotel, while the upper floors were dedicated to workspace, both for Crawford’s business and other companies. Staff members of Crawford Holdings had exclusive elevators accessible with their employee ID.
Priscilla marveled at the impressive surroundings. “Wow!”
Sam gazed at her innocent face and silently vowed to show her the world one day.
“Does Mr. Crawford use this elevator too?” Priscilla asked. She had dressed up today, hoping that Anthony would share the same elevator with her. Among the crowd, she believed he would notice her because she was different.
“Mr. Crawford uses the VIP elevators. They’re over there.”
Crawford Holdings owned various businesses. Sam, for example, worked in its fashion subsidiary. The CEO’s office was on the 66th floor, where employees managed subsidiaries.
“He’s not arrogant enough to have his own exclusive elevator.”
However, they were not allowed to use the VIP elevators.
“This is so impressive,” exclaimed Priscilla.
Since Crawford Holdings was such a massive corporation, there must be numerous departments as well. Priscilla was tired of being a teacher anyway. She could apply to be Anthony’s secretary. Then, she could play the role of a caring secretary who tended to the CEO’s every need.
…
Anthony couldn’t shake off a foreboding feeling after his meeting. Suddenly, a child-like face appeared in the doorway.
“Uncle Anthony!” Lilly’s voice rang out. She was wearing a striped shirt and a pair of denim jeans. On her shoulder was a transparent pet backpack that held Polly and Tortoise.
“Lilly, what brings you here?”
Bettany appeared behind Lilly, holding a lunchbox. “Lilly had a feeling that something bad might happen to you today, so she came to make sure you’re okay.”
Bettany had come to accept the fact that Lilly had an imaginary mentor. However, she didn’t put much stock in Lilly’s divination abilities. How could a child possibly know how to divine?
Anthony remained silent. He knew how accurate Lilly’s predictions could be, so he was prepared to rearrange his schedule for the day.
“Where should we go, then, Lilly?”
“To the flea market!”
Suddenly, Anthony remembered the list of strange magical trinkets that Lilly had given him. It instructed him to buy some trinkets and crystals.
“I knew you didn’t buy what I asked you to,” Lilly pouted.
“Alright, alright. I’ll do it today,” Anthony decided to indulge his niece.
“You always say that, but you never follow through. That’s why I had to come today,” Lilly complained.
Although it was an unusual request, Lilly had no malicious intentions. She was simply trying to protect him.
“Let’s go.” Anthony grabbed his keys and left with Lilly and Bettany.
Meanwhile, Priscilla spent some time in Sam’s office before deciding to take a walk. She tried various routes, but she couldn’t find her way to Floor 66. The VIP elevators required a specific card and were also guarded by security. She even went down to the parking lot to see if there was another way up. Just as she was about to give up, she spotted a man with broad shoulders exiting the elevator.
That aura, that handsomeness, it could only be Anthony.
Priscilla exclaimed internally. Luck was on her side today.
Priscilla jogged towards Anthony, calling out, “Mr. Crawford, wait!”
Anthony frowned upon seeing Priscilla, while Bettany let out a small curse. She couldn’t help but think about Lilly’s earlier prediction.
“Let’s go,” Bettany said impatiently.
Lilly looked at the harem spirit on top of Priscilla. “Wait, Grandma.”
Priscilla expected Anthony to ignore her, but instead, he waited. Was this not the beginning of a love story?
Priscilla tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “What a coincidence, Mr. Crawford. Where are you going?”
Before Bettany could criticize Priscilla, Lilly gleefully answered, “We’re visiting the flea market, Miss Peach.”
“As in Hillside Flea Market?”
“Yes!” Lilly nodded.
Anthony glanced at Lilly. Did Lilly ask them to wait so she could tell Priscilla where they were going?
Priscilla couldn’t be happier. It was so easy to get information from a child. She put on an inquisitive look. “What’s the occasion?”
“It’s none of your business,” Bettany coldly replied.
Priscilla then spoke in a half-crying voice. “I already apologized, madam. I know I made a mistake. But please, give me another chance to…”
“Let’s not waste time.” Bettany didn’t want to entertain Priscilla.
Lilly had just performed divination. The flea market was the best place to capture the harem spirit. That’s why she stopped everyone. And now, they could leave. Priscilla would definitely follow them. On the other hand, Sam had just noticed that Priscilla was missing. He came to the parking lot to search for her.
Priscilla wasn’t going to let Anthony go away. She blocked the Crawfords’ path. “Please, Mr.
Crawford. Give me another chance. I’ll make sure I take good care of Lilly and Old Mrs. Crawford here.”
Even Priscilla herself was deeply moved by the brave front she put up. Surely a strong man like Anthony would be swayed.
Anthony found Priscilla irritating, but before he could say anything, Bettany barked, “First, neither Lilly nor I need your help. What makes you think you’re good enough to take care of us? Second, you were fired from your school because of your mistake. This has nothing to do with Lilly. Now, leave us alone.”
Priscilla clutched at her shirt collar with a pale expression. Why was her future mother-in-law so mean?
Standing not too far from the crowd, Sam found Bettany rude and mean. Priscilla had apologized so many times. They could just walk away. There was no need to insult Priscilla!
“Peachy!” Sam rushed to Priscilla’s side.
Anthony had already helped Lilly and Bettany into the car. They drove away.
Unwilling to give up, Priscilla even chased after the car. “Mr. Crawford! Mr. Crawford! Sam, don’t you have a car here? Come on, let’s chase after them.”
“Peachy, they’re not worth it.”
“No! I won’t give up. I need their forgiveness. Please help me, Sam,” Priscilla implored.
Sam had no choice but to assist Priscilla. Little did he know that he was helping Priscilla impress Anthony.
…
Hillside Flea Market was the city’s largest flea market, popular among the citizens.
Lilly held Anthony’s hand as she looked around. Pablo taught her many things. “This gem can ward off spirits. That artifact can improve your health, but it only works on Leos.”
Lilly listened to Pablo’s lecture. From Bettany’s perspective, her curious granddaughter was busy asking about every new thing she found at the flea market. But before Bettany could search for the answers, Lilly moved on to her next discovery.
They soon arrived at a stall. The owner greeted the Crawfords. “How can I help you? Oh? Aren’t you Lilly?”
