Atlas’ voice was laced with sympathy as he said, “Stephen, judging from what I saw, it seems they’ve met each other’s parents. Don’t you think they’re going too fast? Didn’t you just break up with Tessa?

“It’s only been three months, and Tessa has gotten together with Lester. Lester has even introduced her to his family-”

Stephen ended the call before Atlas could finish his commentary.

He stood before his villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows, his brows furrowed in thought.

There was an undeniable trace of loneliness in his sharp features.

No. He couldn’t keep going on like this. He had to win Tessa back.

…

By the time Tessa arrived at the Yates residence, she was surprised to see that the lights in the living room were still on.

Samuel was sitting on the couch, watching the financial news.

When he saw that she was home, his eyes softened as he greeted her. “You’re back.”

“Yes.” Tessa walked to another couch and sat there. “I’m here to pay Seline a visit. Is she asleep?”

“She just went to bed,” Samuel replied. Then, he asked, “Have you had dinner?”

Tessa nodded. “I’ve eaten.” After a beat, she inquired, “How’s Seline doing? Is she getting better?”

“She’s much better now,” Samuel answered.

“That’s good,” she said in relief. “I plan to keep her company since I don’t have work tomorrow.”

Samuel looked pleased upon hearing her words. “Alright.”

However, the look in his eyes dimmed with heartache as he murmured, “Tess, you’ve suffered so much. About what happened in Arcton…”

He cut himself off, seemingly unable to put his feelings into words. After the momentary pause, he continued, “Did they do anything to you when they abducted and smuggled you off to Arcton?”

Tessa shook her head. “They didn’t do anything to me. I got beaten up, but that’s all. It’s all in the past now.”

The pain in Samuel’s eyes only grew. “Tess, it’s all my fault. I failed to protect you. I’ve spent a great sum to hire a new team of bodyguards for you. There are still a few things left before everything is finalized, but they’ll arrive at Rivertown in two days’ time. I’ll assign a few of them to keep you safe then.”

Tessa responded, “Those bodyguards can’t possibly be there for me 24/7.”

“They can,” Samuel said insistently. Then, he explained, “One of the guards I’ve hired is a woman. She used to be the personal guard of one of the Castellion’s princesses. All be able to have peace of mind knowing that she’ll be there to keep you safe.

ར། ཏ་

“You should find a way to instate her in your law firm if you’re able. It’ll be best if she could live with you.”

Tessa also had no intention of being used as leverage against Stephen. She didn’t want to be James’ pawn ever again.

So, when she heard that Samuel had hired a female bodyguard for her, she nodded agreeably. “Alright, Dad. You should also assign more guards to protect you, Ms. Connors, and Seline while you’re at it.”

“I know. You don’t need to worry about that,” Samuel said.

“Okay.”

A brief silence settled over them now that the conversation had come to a close.

Eventually, Samuel inquired in concern, “How’s the firm doing? Is everything going well?”

It had been a long time since the father and daughter duo had the chance to have a proper chat. The strained tension that had caused them to be moments away from erupting into loud argument had mellowed after the ordeal they had endured.

So, Tessa said calmly, “It’s been good.”

There was a gratified look in Samuel’s warm eyes. “You’ve grown, Tess.”

Tessa pursed her lips and said nothing.

“Do you still not like the idea of working in my company?” Samuel asked gently.

Before she could say anything, he started rambling, “Marianne and I plan to transfer some shares to you. You won’t have to worry about any financial risks. You won’t be held responsible if anything goes wrong. All you have to do is collect the dividends.”

Tessa parted her lips and said, “Sure.”

Samuel froze when he heard her answer. He didn’t expect Tessa to agree to his suggestion so readily.

Tessa looked at him apologetically. “Dad, I was an immature child in the past.

Now, I just want our family to live a life of peace and happiness.”

Of course!” Samuel blurted, his eyes welling up with tears. Then, he murmured, “A

life of peace and happiness sounds good.”