Chapter 24: How can I help you?
Ava shoved the phone into her bag and smiled to herself, eager to surprise her father with an unannounced visit. As she reached the door, her excitement grew, and she raised her hand to knock.
"Come in," came her father’s familiar voice from inside.
With a wider smile, she pushed the door open. "Papa!" she called out cheerfully, but her steps faltered as her eyes landed on the young vice president standing beside her father. Her smile wavered as she thought she had come at the wrong time.
Both men looked up at her at the same time, surprise etching on their faces.
"Uh..." Ava’s gaze shifted between the two men. "I think I might’ve interrupted something," she said, her tone a bit apologetic.
"Not at all, darling," Thomas, reassured her warmly. "Ethan was just showing me some project ideas. I was reviewing them."
"I see." Ava relaxed slightly, curiosity piquing as she approached the table. She wondered what new project her father was working on at this time.
Ethan, who had been beaming since Ava walked in, finally spoke up. "Long time no see, Ava. How’ve you been?"
Ava hesitated, unsure how to answer. Was she really doing well? Forcing a polite smile, she responded, "Good. How about you?"