Augustus stepped into his office to see Aria and Caden seated comfortably on one of his couches. Stephen placed a plate of cookies in front of them and handed them each a juice bottle as the DaLair patriarch entered. Ever efficient even Augustus had no idea how Stephen always managed to procure pr
“Such a spiteful old man,” Katherine grumbled. “Come on baby, let’s go on that date.” She clutched his arm but Julius jerked away glaring at her demanding, “What are you still doing here? This is an office building for people who work! Do you know anything about that?” Ka
The twins shared a look before crawling out. Aria hopped onto her feet bouncing so that her pigtails swung wildly. Caden stood up more cautiously glancing toward the door to be certain they were indeed alone. “Thank you mister,” Aria smiled brightly. Julius’s face twitc
Macey sighed trying to marshal her courage. The car door opened and a hand reached in to help her out. She stared at it several moments before she placed her hand in it and stepped out to face Stephen. With a nod he gave her hand to the waiting Augustus. “You look beautiful, my dear.
“Okay,” Aria announced, “Grandpa you invite mommy to see the Picasso so she and daddy can meet each other.” “What about us?” Caden asked. “We’re not going,” Aria said. “This is for grown-ups.” “I mean what is mommy going to do with us?” Caden clarified. “Mommy
“Champagne sir?” a server offered as Julius entered. Shaking his head Julius waved him off and headed to the bar to order his usual whiskey. He leaned on the counter with his drink in hand but found he really wasn’t interested in actually drinking it as he studied the attendees. It
Julius scoffed then froze, “Did you say redhead?” “That’s right. She’s gorgeous!” Frederick said gesturing with his hands to make voluptuous curves. “What a body! Definitely worth whatever your father paid.” Julius slammed down his glass. His gaze became stone cold and d
“Oooo. Feisty. I like that.” He dragged her closer until a hand grasped his wrist squeezing it painfully. Wincing Macey’s solicitor turned to see Julius glaring daggers at him. His grip tightened until the other man groaned in pain. “I believe the lady said to let go,”
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their