Page 29 of Jael

“You’re trying so hard to keep us happy. I know you’re very busy.”

“Are you kidding? It’s as much for me as for you and the kids. I love baking. But for now, you sit tight and let me handle this.”

“If you’re sure.”

“Trust me.”

Chapter 8

Jael threwthe doors open to her dad’s house and didn’t bother closing them. “Where is he?” she said to Sofia when the maid scuttled into the room.

“Jael? Is everything okay?”

“I need to speak to my dad. It’s urgent.”

“He-he’s not here. He’s gone into the office.”

“Of course he has.” She sighed out some of her anger. Sofia didn’t deserve her wrath. “Do you know how long he intends to be there?”

“He told me not to expect him home until dinner. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. I’ll find him at the office. Thank you.”

“Do you need me to do anything?”

Jael had never been one to air her dirty laundry to anyone, so she forced a smile. “Just the usual father-daughter stuff. Don’t worry.”

“If you’re sure.”

“Sorry to upset you.” Jael went to the door. “That wasn’t my intention. I shouldn’t have barged in like that. Everything will be fine.”

She pulled the doors closed and walked back to her car, contemplating what she would find at the office. If he was hovering over Christopher’s shoulder, it could mean she had an ally when she spoke to him. Whether Christopher’s interest in Vita Nova was more to do with impressing her than anything else, it didn’t matter. He’d be on her side in this.

“Miss Heber?” said the security guard to Jael when she reached the lobby. He sucked in his gut and puffed out his chest with a semi-confident smile. “It’s good to see you. What brings you into the office today?”

“I’m looking for my dad if he’s still here.”

“As far as I know. You going up? Or do you want me to call him down?”

“I’m going up. Thanks. But I didn’t bring my pass.”

“Not to worry.” He followed her to the elevator and swiped his own card. “Have a nice day.”

“Thanks, Manny,” she said, glancing at his name tag without him noticing. “You have a good one too.”

The empty elevator was a blessing, giving her the space to strengthen herself. She breathed in deeply, slowing the impatient tap of her fingernails on the gold bar that looped around the inside of the elevator.

When the doors opened, she used long strides to reach the half-circle mahogany reception desk. Both receptionists were on the phone, but the brunette looked up at her and smiled.

“My dad?” Jael mouthed, pointing the direction she expected to find him.

The brunette shook her head and covered the mic on her headset. “He’s in a meeting. Boardroom.”

“Thanks.”

Jael’s heels continued their clack on the burnished concrete floor, muffling when she entered the carpeted hall.

The conference room to the right had windows that took up most of the wall, and she could see Christopher and Artus—the latter of whom didn’t have any reason to be there—along with three other employees and her dad, whose face was crumpled in a heavy frown that set his eyes deep into his face. She knew the look. He was digging his heels in.

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