CHAPTER 97: THREAT INSIDE

NATASHA

"Leaving?" I asked my dad, noticing him dressed and holding their bags.

"I still have important meetings to attend to, and your mom told me that she doesn't want to bother you both here," Dad replied as we descended the stairs.

"What?" I objected with a frown. "Dad, you and mom will never bother Michael and me. I actually like having you around," I explained, crossing my arms as I stood at the bottom step of the stairs.

"You know it's not my call, Nat. Your mom is the commander, and I must follow," he said, checking the zipper of the bags and placing them on the floor next to the couch.

"Why don't you stay for another week? I'm sure Michael won't mind," I offered.

Dad shook his head. "I can't, as much as I want to. I have tons of projects to visit and piles of papers to eat," he joked, poking the bottom of my chin. "Don't get me wrong, sweetness, I want to be with you. I really do."

Releasing a breath, I accepted my defeat and nodded my head. "Fine, but please, stay safe."

"A