Chapter 10: Balancing Act

As the mid-term exams approached at Liliana's school, she felt the weight of her academic responsibilities pressing down on her. She knew she needed to allocate more time for studying and preparing for the exams, which meant juggling her commitments and making some tough decisions.

Liliana's freelancing projects at Stinson Inc. were demanding, with new challenges and milestones to meet. She recognized the importance of delivering high-quality work and maintaining the trust she had built with Radriel and his team. To ensure she had sufficient time to dedicate to her studies, Liliana decided to put in extra effort during the project's initial stages, aiming to complete a significant portion before the mid-term exams commenced.

To lighten her workload and create more study time, Liliana contemplated quitting some of her part-time jobs. She no longer relied on dog walking and had earned enough through her freelancing projects to sustain herself financially. Additionally, her reduced hours at the café meant she had more flexibility in managing her time. However, she couldn't bring herself to sever ties with the café completely.

The café held a special place in Liliana's heart, not just because of the income it provided, but also because it allowed her to connect with Grandma Stinson. Despite her own challenges, Liliana felt a deep empathy for the beggar turned confidante. The opportunity to assist and spend time with Grandma Stinson gave her a sense of purpose and fulfillment. She cherished their conversations and the moments of respite they provided from her turbulent life.

With careful consideration, Liliana decided to continue working at the café but with reduced hours. This adjustment would grant her more time to focus on her studies while still allowing her to maintain her connection with Grandma Stinson. The decision felt right, as Liliana believed that helping others, even in small ways, was a testament to her kind-hearted nature.

As mid-term exams loomed closer, Liliana threw herself into her studies, meticulously organizing her time between her academic commitments and the Stinson Inc. project. She poured over textbooks, practiced sample problems, and sought clarification from her teachers whenever needed. Despite the challenges she faced at home and the heavy workload on her shoulders, Liliana remained determined to succeed academically.

--------- Inside Stinson mansion ------

Inside the vast Stinson mansion, Grandma Stinson waited eagerly for her workaholic grandson, Radriel, to come home. She had something on her mind, something she was excited to share with him. As he entered the room, she greeted him with a warm smile.

"Ah, Radriel, my dear boy, finally you're here," Grandma Stinson exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Radriel sighed, knowing his grandmother always had something up her sleeve. "What is it this time, Grandma? I hope it's not another one of your whimsical adventures."

Grandma Stinson chuckled and patted the seat next to her, urging Radriel to sit. "Oh, my boy, you know me too well. But this time, it's not about me. It's about a wonderful girl I met in the café where I often visit."

Radriel raised an eyebrow, mildly intrigued. "A girl in a café? What's so special about her, Grandma?"

Grandma Stinson leaned in closer, her voice filled with excitement. "Oh, Radriel, she's a remarkable young lady. So kind and hardworking. She serves customers with a smile, always ready to lend a helping hand. You should take a leaf out of her book."

Radriel chuckled dismissively. "Grandma, you always find a way to compare me to someone, don't you? I'm running a business here, and there's a lot at stake."

Grandma Stinson shook her head, her eyes filled with playful mischief. "Ah, my dear Radriel, there's more to life than just work. This girl, she understands the value of connecting with others, of lending a helping hand. You should learn from her."

Radriel sighed, indulging his grandmother's whims. "Alright, Grandma, I'll humor you. What's her name? Maybe I'll pay her café a visit."

Grandma Stinson grinned mischievously. "Oh, dear boy, I can't tell you her name just yet. Let it be a surprise when you meet her. Just promise me, Radriel, that you'll take some time off from work and appreciate the small joys in life."

Radriel nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Alright, Grandma, I promise. I'll take a break and see what this café girl has to offer."

As the conversation continued, Radriel couldn't help but dismiss Grandma Stinson's words as her usual whimsical musings. Yet, deep down, a part of him wondered if there was some truth to her observations. But ultimately, he pushed those thoughts aside, fully consumed by the demands of his work and the goals he wanted to achieve.