CHAPTER 57

Axel glared at Donald, but Donald was not looking at him. Sighing, he rose from the bed.

"I need to go to work, Claire. I'll see you later." He picked up the vial from the bedside table. "I'll let Paul have this. You should rest now."

He walked up to Donald and took the laptop from him. "This better be very serious."

It was. An employee had accidentally set their gas store on fire at a branch in China. He was needed on site immediately. He looked back at Claire. She had already fallen asleep, and he didn't have the heart to go wake her and tell her goodbye. He walked to her and kissed her forehead.

"I have to go to China, Tigress." He whispered. "Hold down the forte here for me, will you?"

He went to get his briefcase. "Have you informed the directors?"

Donald nodded. "And Paul. He will stay with Claire here at the penthouse until you get back."

"I hate to leave her now."

"I know." Donald murmured. "Me too. But duty calls, and Axel, this time, you really need to focus."

The flight to