A NIGHT WITH THE PRESIDENT

Mid-December, it is freezing in New York. The fog rose over the Hudson River, isolating the east and west sides of the river. Many trees in Central Park are bare, and it seems like they are undressing to welcome Christmas.

Winter is Penelope Seinfeld's favorite season. She lingered on the windowsill and looked at the old street. Pigeons fly from her side, and the fallen leaves swirl around her.

Monica walked down the old stairs with groceries and pushed in the door. "Penelope, your pickup car has arrived." She gasped.

"Oh, I see." Penelope lazily answered with her hands on her chin.

Monica clutched her chest and said, "I have never been so close to a luxury car in my life. I don't know whether the people inside saw me..."

Penelope's waist is sore from lying down for so long. She got up and picked up the jacket next to her. She turned and said, "I put the rent on the table. Remember to pay it."

Monica eased herself against the table and asked, "When will you come back?"

"Asher Walker said for a month," Penelope answered as she dressed herself and tied a scarf.

Monica smiled and held out her arm, "Congratulations, you finally have the opportunity to go back."

Penelope smiled gently, hugged her, and said, "Although it is not a wise decision, I don't have to pay for the ticket."

She was five years old when she followed her mother to New York. She has not embarked on her homeland for nearly sixteen years.

"Good luck, come back soon." Monica hugged her tightly.

Penelope embraced her and patted her shoulder lightly. "My dear, see you next year."

"See you next year."

Penelope dragged the suitcase away. Monica looked down on the windowsill. Penelope got into the luxury car parked down on the street. The silver logo flashed slightly and slipped into the traffic stream, disappearing at the end of the street.

At Kennedy Airport, before boarding the flight, Penelope made an excuse to get into the cubicle and called Asher.

"Have you seen my uncle, Warren Duncan?" asked Asher hastily.

"No. We are waiting for him." Penelope whispered into the phone and said, "I promise to help you, but only this time. After that, I won't be responsible for the aftermath." 

"Okay. Okay. I will never forget what you're doing for me."

"So, when will you come back?" Penelope ignored his answer, instead asking him. 

Asher gently replied, "I will finish my work in two months. First, you should help me deal with them. The key is my grandmother. You must convince her that the baby in your stomach is mine."

"Your grandmother...that shouldn't be a problem. But if your family discovers our deceit, will I be driven out?" Penelope asked worriedly. "I have no friends in the UK....."

"Don't worry. If you are driven out, I will help you and promise that you can give birth to your baby safely in New York."

Penelope squinted her long narrow eyes with one hand against the wall of the bathroom and said, "I warn you, if you don't come back on time, my reward will increase by the day."

"No problem!" Rich Asher is very generous.

Penelope nodded with satisfaction. "You can count on your brothers for long-term cooperation."

They work in collusion and are committed to their own purposes.