Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 2061

Nathan and Penny dropped by the hospital first thing the next morning to visit Horatio.

Horatio lay in bed, his brows furrowed in anguish although he was fast asleep. It was a restless slumber as he subconsciously beat himself up for accepting the lowball offer for Wyland Huck's abstract painting.

Both Hansel and Camilla were present.

“My father had a hard time falling asleep last night; he only drifted off in the wee hours. Let's talk elsewhere so we don't wake him up,” Hansel murmured.

Nathan nodded in agreement. “Alright.”

The group exited the room and stood in the corridor.

“Nathan, have you found the painting?” Hansel cut to the chase.

Smiling, Nathan answered, “There has been news about it. I should be able to receive it later today. Don't worry, Mr. Windsor. I promise I'll return the painting to your father by today to ease his tortured mind.”

Hansel nodded and heaved a sigh. “My father made a fool of himself this time. Sorry for troubling you, Nathan. Not only did my father sell the precious gift from you at the price of a trinket, but this incident also sent you running all over the place to recover the painting.”

“Don't worry about it, Mr. Windsor,” Nathan said solemnly. “If it weren't for your support years ago, I would not have reached where I am today. This small favor is not worth mentioning in comparison to the help you've given me.”

“Hansel, Nathan is right. We're practically family; there's no need to be so tense,” Camilla chimed in with a gentle smile.

Hansel was greatly comforted, and the emotion showed on his face.

He was once the president of a country — a presence that garnered veneration and attention wherever he went. However, the halo of glory that surrounded him quickly dissipated after he stepped down from the position.

While the ministers and members of the cabinet still treated him with civility, he knew that their respect for him was no more than skin-deep.

None of them would be willing to lend a helping hand when he most needed it.

Their superficial relationship could not withstand the challenge of time and mediocrity.

While he had come to accept the bitter truth as the years passed by, Hansel still felt a twinge of disappointment when the people who used to butter him up refused to come to his aid.

However, his favorite pupil, who was now the Chief Military Governor, still treated him as before — with the reverence for a mentor and the gratitude for a parent.

“Go on,” Nathan persuaded.

Mustering up his courage, Sage confessed, “It's my fortieth birthday today, sir. My family and

close friends insisted on throwing a birthday celebration of sorts. They have made reservations at Indigo Hotel and sent invitations to my friends. I have handed in an application to the higher-ups, and it has already been approved.

Sage took a deep breath and continued, “So, I'd like to know if you're free today. If you are, it would be great if you could attend this occasion."

Sage was Nathan's trusted subordinate. He handled most of Nathan's work when he was away from the Headquarters of the Chief Military Governor.

Nathan chuckled when he learned that it was Sage's birthday. “You're the backbone of my headquarters, the hope of our country, and my indispensable right-hand man. I might not agree to show up had it been someone else's birthday, but I promise that I'll attend the banquet.” “Since my identity as the Chief Military Governor has not been publicized, I'll introduce myself as a general. I'll head over at noon for a celebratory drink.”

Sage had extended the invite without expecting Nathan to accept it.

Hence, he was elated when Nathan agreed to show up. “Alright, then. I'll be waiting for your arrival, sir,” Sage responded with unbridled joy.