After Seven Empty Chairs, I Took My Daughter and Left Chapter 34

After Seven Empty Chairs, I Took My Daughter and Left Chapter 34

The video conference window closed, and the gentle smile on Elias’s face vanished, replaced by the cold sharpness customary in his top-floor Manhattan office.

His assistant knocked and entered, handing over a file.

“Sir, there’s a new development. Sloane Carver has attached herself to some low-level thug in Brooklyn. Our people intercepted information that she’s attempting to hire someone through the dark web to tamper with Miss Ava’s car.”

A shadow crossed Elias’s eyes, while the corner of his mouth lifted into an almost cruel sneer.

“She never learns.”

He didn’t even look at the file. Leaning back in his chair, his fingertips tapped rhythmically on the desk as precise and lethal orders were issued one by one.

“Check her visa status. Have immigration monitor her for illegal employment and potential criminal activity.”

“Notify every partner bank to list her as a highest-risk client. I want her unable to apply for even the most basic credit card anywhere in the United States.”

“As for Noah,” he paused, the contempt in his tone undisguised, “have those shadow banks collect on his high-interest loans. Wall Street does not need a bankrupt loser.”

His assistant nodded and quickly took notes. Just as he was about to turn and leave, the office door was gently pushed open.

A small head peeked in. It was Lily. Behind her, Ava watched with a smile.

In that instant, all the ice in the office melted.

Elias immediately put away every trace of coldness and waved for his assistant to leave. He rose and strode toward the door, his face openly gentle. First he gave Ava a hug, then naturally crouched down and gathered Lily, who had rushed toward him, into his arms.

“I’m beginning to suspect your art studio is more important than I am.” Holding Lily as he stood, he looked at Ava with affectionate “grievance” in his voice. “We haven’t had a date in an entire week, Miss Ava.”

Ava’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she sounded a little apologetic. “Sorry. The studio just started, so… I specially booked tickets to the Boston Ballet’s *The Nutcracker* tonight as compensation.”

“Mm. Given your sincerity, I’ll forgive you for now.” Elias stole a kiss from her lips, and Lily immediately covered her eyes in shyness.

He laughed and took the opportunity to say, “Then tomorrow is the weekend. Come with me to Beacon Hill to meet my family. They all want to meet you and Lily.”

“Meet your family?” Ava froze. The name Beacon Hill made her instinctively tense.

Elias saw her concern and comforted her with American humor. “Don’t worry. They’re only curious about which fascinating lady finally rescued me from my art collection. They had begun to think I’d grow old alone with those vases and jars.”

Ava was amused, and the tension in her heart disappeared like smoke. She nodded and said softly, “All right. Then… we need to buy a gift.”