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Adrian's POV
The storm my father left behind needed time to settle. After his toxic visit, I immediately called my mother to warn her he was back in town. Her response was swift and practical.
"I'm leaving on a spa retreat with the girls," she announced without hesitation. "I refuse to let that man destroy my peace again."
Smart woman. She had endured enough of his manipulation over the years.
Around mid-afternoon, Atlas burst through my office door like a ray of sunshine cutting through dark clouds. Chloe looked up from her desk as he approached with that trademark grin.
"Hey gorgeous, if your beauty kills me, will you give me CPR?" he delivered with theatrical flair.
Both Chloe and I erupted in laughter. "Kid, you're absolutely shameless," I said, shaking my head.
"Sweetheart, when you hit eighteen, I might just take you up on that offer," Chloe played along, batting her eyelashes.
