CHAPTER 123: CROSSED PATHS

The next day, after wrapping up a meeting with one of their partner companies outside the office, Zeke returned to headquarters.

He kept himself busy, going through weekly financial reports, signing proposals, replying to emails, and checking updates on their new drug project.

Andrew walked in while Zeke was reading through the latest development data.

"Sir, this is the agreement draft you wanted."

Zeke took the document and scanned through it carefully. After a moment, he nodded, signed it, and handed it back.

"Take this to Gianna tomorrow, get her signature, and make sure she gets a copy."

"Yes, sir."

Zeke leaned back in his chair. "What’s the update on the right issue?"

Andrew tapped on his tablet. "It’s currently being offered to our investors. If everything goes smoothly, it should be available for public trading in a little over a week."

Zeke gave a small nod, taking it in. "Keep me posted."

"Understood, sir.

By 2 p.m., Zeke grabbed the suit jacket hanging on the back of his chair and slipped it on before leaving the office.

As always, Nolan and the driver were already waiting downstairs.

"What’s the plan for security this afternoon?" Zeke asked while walking toward the car.

"We’ve got four escort cars, two in front, two behind. Three bodyguards in each, so twelve in total heading with us to the dental clinic."

Zeke nodded. "Make sure there’s no slip-up like last time."

"Understood, sir," Nolan replied.

***

Cassidy, Clara, and Claire were waiting for Zeke in the living room.

"You’re really not coming with us, Clara?" Cassidy asked, just to be sure.

Clara shook her head. "I’ll stay at the apartment. You three go and spend some time together. I don’t want to get in the way," she said with a knowing smile.

Cassidy chuckled. "We’re just going to the dentist, Clara. It’s not like we’re doing anything special."

Clara didn’t reply. She just gave a faint smile.

Cassidy turned her gaze to Claire, who was sitting between her and Clara.

"Do you remember the last time you went to the dentist in Switzerland, sweetheart?"

Claire nodded, her face a little anxious. "Can we not go to the dentist, Mommy?"

Yes, when Cassidy told Claire yesterday that they’d be visiting the dentist, Claire immediately refused. It took quite a bit of convincing for her to finally agree.

"You promised yesterday, remember? You said you’d get your teeth checked, sweetheart."

"But I’m scared, Mommy," Claire said, her eyes beginning to water.

"Sweetheart, there’s nothing to be scared of. No one’s going to hurt you. The dentist just wants to make sure your teeth are healthy. You just need to open your mouth for a few seconds, and then it’s done. Mommy will be right there with you the whole time."

"Where’s Daddy? I want to tell him I don’t want to go," Claire said quietly, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shrit.

Cassidy gently stroked her head with affection and said, "Daddy’s on his way, sweetheart. He’ll be here soon and he wants you to go too, just like Mommy."

Claire’s shoulders slumped. "I don’t want to go."

Clara watched the exchange quietly, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"She’s just nervous," Clara said gently, reaching over to squeeze Claire’s hand. "It’s normal, baby. Don’t be afraid."

Cassidy gave a small nod, appreciating the support. Then she turned back to Claire. "You’ve been so brave before, sweetheart. And you’re not alone. Mommy and Daddy will be with you the whole time."

Claire blinked away a tear and leaned against Cassidy’s side.

"Will it hurt?"

"No, sweetheart. It’s just a checkup. The dentist will just take a look and maybe clean your teeth a little. That’s it."

Claire let out a quiet sigh but didn’t protest again.

Cassidy leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "You’ll do great. I promise."

Just then, the sound of the doorbel ringing made Claire lift her head.

"Daddy?" she whispered hopefully.

Cassidy smiled. "Let’s find out."

Cassidy opened the apartment door and sure enough, it was Zeke.

As soon as she saw him, Claire rushed over with a big smile, lifting her arms for a hug.

Zeke pulled her into a warm hug and picked her up. "Are you ready to see the dentist, princess?" Zeke asked as he showered her cheeks with tiny kisses.

Claire quickly shook her head in response. Seeing her reaction, Zeke looked over at Cassidy and whispered, "What’s going on?"

"She’s just scared about going to the dentist," Cassidy said softly.

Zeke turned back to Claire, holding her a little closer. "Don’t be scared, princess. Daddy’s with you. You don’t have to worry. I’ll be right there the whole time."

Claire buried her face into Zeke’s shoulder, her small hands clutching his shirt tightly.

"I don’t want them to poke my teeth," she mumbled under her breath.

Zeke stroked her hair. "It won’t, princess. And how about this—after the dentist, we can go to the kids’ café?"

Claire immediately forgot all about her fear. Her eyes lit up as she asked, "Kids café? Really?"

"Of course. If you’re brave and let them check your teeth for just a little bit, we’ll go right after."

Claire nodded eagerly. Without missing a beat, she said, "Let’s go to the dentist now!"

She was already too excited about the kids’ café to think about anything else. The sudden shift made Cassidy shake her head with a laugh.

They said goodbye to Clara before heading to the elevator. When the elevator stopped and the doors slid open at the ground floor, the three of them didn’t expect to see Xavier standing just outside, waiting with his hands in his pockets.

"Uncle Xavi!" Claire called out cheerfully, lifting her head.

Xavier blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Hey, Claire Bear." He then glanced toward Cassidy. "Are you guys going out?"

Cassidy nodded. "Yeah... dentist appointment."

She stepped out of the elevator with Zeke, feeling a bit awkward. It wasn’t hard to guess that Xavier had probably come to the apartment to see them. And now, they were heading out with Zeke.

She caught a hint of hurt in Xavier’s expression for a split second. It was gone almost immediately, but it still made her stomach twist. She felt a twinge of guilt. She knew how Xavier felt about her, and even now, she hadn’t given him an answer. The truth was, she wasn’t sure how she felt about him.

She liked being around him. He was always there whenever she and Claire needed someone. He made everything feel easier. But was that really love? She wasn’t sure.

***