12 Dad, We Need to Talk
Kaia had ticked off two major items on her to–do list today.
First, she made sure Alden got the message–they were done.
Second, she dropped her entire savings from the past three years to buy an apartment.
The moment that the property deed hit her hands, she felt like a whole new person.
I’m gonna live it up in my own house from now on!
With plenty of daylight left, she rolled up to Domley Tech to throw down with her old man.
The receptionist at Domley Tech didn’t have a clue who Kaia
was.
Besides Tobias‘ assistant and like two secretaries, nobody knew what the Domont heiress even looked like.
“Hi, I’m here for Mr. Domont,” Kaia said, her voice calm and steady.
The receptionist gave her the up–down like she was some basic.
“Got an appointment? Without one, there’s no way you’re getting in to see Mr. Domont.”
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“Mind letting Mr. Bogart know Kaia Domont’s here? I’m sure he’ll have me sent up,” Kaia said, keeping it civil.
The receptionist let out a disdainful snort and leaned over to whisper to her colleague, “Here we go again. Another one trying to butter up the big shots.”
Then she said with fake sweetness, “Sorry, ma’am. Mr. Bogart’s out today. Try your luck some other time.”
Even though Kaia didn’t drop by Domley Tech often, the receptionist’s snooty attitude was getting on her last nerve.
“Give me a second,” she said, voice cold enough to freeze hell.
She dialed Sally right away.
“Sally, I’m down in the lobby of Domley Tech. Can you tell the receptionist I need to go up and see my dad?”
Sally sounded surprised. “Oh, Kaia, didn’t you tell them who you
are?
“Pass them the phone. I’ll set them straight. Don’t be mad, they’re probably new and clueless.”
As expected, Sally’s word was law around here.
The receptionist opened up, still throwing shade under her
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breath.
“Humph, what’s the big deal? Acting all high and mighty.”
While Kaia was waiting for the elevator, lawyer Miles Lambert popped up.
“Kaia! Didn’t expect to see you at Domley Tech today.”
Kaia gave him a quick once–over. “Just handling some personal stuff. You here on business?”
He smiled.
“Yeah, gotta see Mr. Domont about something. Well, I’d better get going.
“Heard you’ve been crushing those cases lately. Pretty impressive for someone your age.”
Miles was Jude’s rival, plus, he’d married Jude’s ex–wife.
So, Kaia simply flashed a faint smile.
“See you later, Mr. Lambert. I’m heading up now.”
Then, she took the elevator up to the 22nd floor.
Some of the secretaries here were old–timers who had worked under Sally.
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One of them recognized Kaia and escorted her to the CEO’s office.
“Kaia? What’s up?” Tobias looked kinda surprised to see her.
Kaia took a minute, closed that door with a smile, and walked over to her father.
“Dad, we need to talk.”
Tobias’s face dropped. He hated his daughter showing up at work like this.
“Can’t this wait till we’re home?”
Kaia ignored his tone, pulled up a chair, and made herself comfy.
“I think it’s better to have it here.”
Tobias put his pen down and got serious.
“Alright, go on. What’s it about?”
“I dumped Alden. Dad, you’d better cancel those wedding invites before things get super awkward later.”
“Kaia, I hope you’re pulling my leg. I won’t let you break up with Alden!” Tobias blurted out, his voice thick with disbelief and
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simmering anger.
Kaia just shrugged, her tone as nonchalant as could be.
“Too late, Dad. It’s over. We’re done.”
Tobias shot up from his seat, his hand instinctively flying up like he was about to hit her.
But Kaia stepped back fast, dodging without flinching.
“Dad, once was enough. There’s no way I’m standing here and taking another hit.”
Tobias started pacing the floor like a caged animal, his face all twisted up in frustration.
“Alden agreed to this? This engagement was set up by both families! He can’t just back out like that!”
“His say–so doesn’t matter. This ain’t the Middle Ages. Ever heard of falling in love by choice?” Kaia shot back, her defiance ringing clear.
Tobias threatened, his voice cold, “Kaia, think this through. If you dare break off the engagement, you’re on the hook for your grandma’s nursing home fees.
“That’s half a million dollars a year. You’d better give it some serious thought.”
