Chapter 233: You’re ambitious, Layla
"What? A trip?" Alekis’s brows shot up, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Yes, Father," Layla replied with a bright smile, gently pushing a saucer with a steaming cup of tea toward him. "You, me, and Lucius will go to this place I’ve carefully chosen for us. That’s the birthday gift I want to give you, Father."
Alekis accepted the cup, his gaze fixed on her as his glasses slipped slightly down the bridge of his nose. Her statement delighted him because out of all, she came up with such a beautiful idea of spending time with the old man while including his son too, a man who always would stay away from such things.
However, a thought also occured in his mind at the same time. "Hmm. And why didn’t you include Fiona and Roderick in this plan?" he asked, his tone inquisitive.
Layla maintained her composure, her smile unwavering. "Lucius and I discussed it beforehand. We thought their presence might make the trip... less suitable for what we intended. However," she added thoughtfully, "if Father prefers them to join, I have no objection."
Alekis’s lips curved into a small smile, appreciating her straightforwardness. "Let’s keep it as a day trip," he proposed. "We’ll return by night."
Layla’s hopeful expression faltered slightly, though she quickly recovered. "Won’t that be too short, Father? I was hoping for at least three days together in this place," she suggested earnestly.
Alekis placed his cup down with a gentle clink, his gaze softening. "Layla, I truly appreciate the thought and effort you’ve put into this. It warms my heart to know you think of me as your own father and wants to give me time," he said sincerely. "However, you have responsibilities as well. I appointed you as chairwoman yesterday, and I need you to step into that role soon. Attending the board meetings is just the beginning."
Layla nodded slowly, understanding the weight of his words. "That’s why I believe a day trip is best," Alekis concluded. "We can enjoy ourselves without compromising your duties."