Ethan was surprised by the sharp tone in Eleanor’s voice. Until now, he had never heard her speak so seriously. Instantly sensing the weight of the situation, he straightened up, set down the teacup he had been sipping from, and looked her in the eye.
"Okay. I’m listening," he said calmly.
"What exactly have you been doing with Freya these past few days? I’ve noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time with her. Don’t you have a business to run?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Yes, I do. But I can operate my business from anywhere. Over the past few years, I’ve appointed capable people to the key positions. Even if I don’t show up for a month, everything still runs smoothly," he replied confidently.
"You’re avoiding the question. Don’t think I didn’t notice. What have you been teaching Freya lately?" she asked, her voice rising slightly.
"Nothing serious. We just play together. She enjoys it. That’s all," he said with a shrug.
"Then what’s with the sudden restrictions on kisses and hugs from me? Do you think I’d bring home germs and harm my own daughter?" she snapped.
"That’s... not exactly what I told her," he admitted, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
"Then what did you tell her?" she demanded.
Ethan sighed, clearly uncomfortable. "I don’t understand why you’re acting . If you have a problem with how I’m interacting with her, just say it. I’ll adjust."
"Who gave you permission to take Freya out of the house without informing me?" she finally asked, revealing the real source of her frustration. Earlier that day, when she returned home and didn’t see her daughter, she had panicked. Although Freya seemed happy and safe, the fact that Ethan had taken her outside without so much as a message deeply bothered her... especially seeing how close they were becoming. It made Eleanor feel threatened, like her place in Freya’s heart was at risk.
"Can’t I take my daughter out to play?" he asked, trying to keep his voice even. "I made sure everything was secure. There was no danger."
"She is my daughter. She doesn’t leave the house without my permission," Eleanor said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"She’s my daughter too," he said, though his voice lacked strength, sounded like a mosquito.
"Don’t play the ’daughter card’ with me now," Eleanor snapped. "Since you’re so free these days... free enough to play every day... then you can take on some of my workload. I recently acquired eleven companies, and they require a lot of attention. I’m calling Teresa and having her assign some to you. With your experience, I’m sure these companies will thrive under your care. Meanwhile, I’ll focus on new acquisitions... and finally get some time to play with my daughter."
Ethan suddenly realized he was losing this conversation. His every sense informed him of imminent danger! He stood up abruptly and said, "I just remembered... I have an urgent meeting at the office. Please excuse me."
He made a beeline for the door like a man escaping a burning building.
"Why are you running away? Don’t you want to help me?" Eleanor asked with a smirk.
Without turning back, Ethan said, "I know nothing about IT. If you need help in construction, call me."
And with that, he disappeared, speeding away in his car like the house was haunted.
Eleanor watched him flee and chuckled to herself. "This man! Always runs when I try to argue with him."
Shaking her head, she walked upstairs toward her study to review some documents. As she was settling in, her phone buzzed. Fiona was calling.
"Hello, Grandma," Eleanor greeted politely.
"Eleanor, there will be an emergency clan meeting today at 6 p.m. I’ll be at Adrian’s place. If you have time, come and meet me."
"Okay, Grandma. I’ll be there."
The call ended, and Eleanor frowned thoughtfully. "An emergency clan meeting? I wonder what’s going on now."
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By the time Eleanor arrived at the Raynor Estate, now Professor Adrian Raynor’s house, it was already nearly evening. The residence was nestled deep in the forest... a secluded, peaceful property surrounded by towering trees and the scent of pine in the air.
Freya, who had come along, was practically bouncing in her seat. When the car stopped, she peered out the window with excitement.
"Is this where Grandpa lives?"
"Yes," Eleanor replied.
"Cool! It’s like camping in the forest! Does he always live here, or is this just a vacation house?"
"This is his home. Why don’t you go call your Grandpa?" Eleanor smiled.
Freya bolted out of the car and ran to the front door. "Grandpa! Grandma! I’m here!" she shouted, knocking loudly. "Where are you? Open the door!"
The door opened, and Selene stood there with a wide smile. She scooped Freya up into her arms. "Did you miss your Grandma?"
"Yes! I missed you every day! But where’s Grandpa?"
"He’s in the kitchen. He’s making something delicious for you."
"But he promised me snacks when I visit! Where are my snacks?" Freya said with a pout.
At that moment, Eleanor stepped inside and said, "Freya, how many times have I told you? Too many snacks are bad for your health."
"But Mommy... these are Grandpa’s snacks," Freya said with wide, innocent eyes.
Selene leaned close and whispered in Freya’s ear, "Don’t argue with your mommy. I’ll sneak you some snacks later."
Freya whispered back, "Okay!"
Selene turned to Eleanor with a gentle smile. "How are you doing, dear? It’s been a while since you came to visit. Is everything alright?"
"I’m fine," Eleanor replied as she took a seat. "Just been really busy with the company. Things are still settling down, but I think in a month or two I’ll finally have time to breathe... and visit more often."
Selene nodded and glanced at Freya. "Ethan mentioned that Freya will be starting school soon?"
"Yes," Eleanor replied. "After researching several schools, we decided on HMIS. It’s under the Lowe Clan, which gives us a bit of peace of mind."
"Good choice," Selene said. "The Lowe Clan is known for their discipline and fairness. And there will be other werewolf children in her class... it’ll help her adjust and feel comfortable."
"I thought so too," Eleanor agreed.
Just then, Adrian entered the living room with a large bowl of roasted beef jerky and freshly made French fries.
"Freya! Look what Grandpa made for you!" he sang.
"Snacks!" Freya squealed and ran into his arms.
"Did you miss Grandpa?"
"Yes! This much!" she exclaimed, stretching her little arms as wide as they could go.
Adrian laughed and gently set her down on the couch, placing the bowl in front of her on the small table.
Freya eagerly grabbed a fry. "It’s delicious!"