Chapter 104 — Just one more night.

“Are you all right, sweetheart?” Daddy asks me quietly from the other side of the kitchen island, looking at me with concern. I’m almost leaning over the counter, my mouth feeling dry. “Would you like some water?”

I look at him in surprise and nod, watching while he quickly hands me a glass of ice water. But even as I take small and slow sips, I’m still aware of the conversation unfolding around me.

“I’m flattered that you’ve made room in your schedule to meet with your friends... what’s changed?” Kevin asks with a certain sarcasm, which catches my eye.

Julian shrugs his shoulders and puts his hand on the back of his neck, massaging out some tension, “Not everyone has as much free time as you, Kevin. I heard you sold your company.”

Kevin raises his hands, not too worried, “I’m retired from the hard work.”

“Don’t you think you’re too young to retire? You’re what, 37?”

“Thirty-five, actually.” Kevin corrects, although he doesn’t seem to mind the mistake. “But, well,