Chapter 416
Chapter 416
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“Have a good rest, Mr. Daven. I’ll head home now. Good night,” Aseu said as Daven stepped out of the car.
Daven only nodded. He almost complained that Arsen’s worry had been unnecessary-but during the drive, he had managed to
relax.
The gates opened as Daven entered the main grounds. Two members of the Miller household staff greeted him politely. Until the tension at the office eased, Daven had agreed with Nathan to say there temporarily. Security around the Miller residence had also been tightened.
“Is my wife and my child still awake?” he asked as he continued walking toward the right wing-the area where they were staying for the time being. It was separate from the main building where Riana and Nathan lived. Sometimes they shared meals in the main house, but tonight, Daven just wanted to get to his rooh.
“They’re waiting for you to come home, Mr. Daven p>
“And Mrs. Riana and Mr. Nathan p>
“Mrs. Riana went to bed early. I believe the incident this afternoon was quite a shock for her p>
That made sense.
Daven continued down the corridor, most of it made of glass. It stretched from end to end, its transparent walls making him feel as though he were walking between two worlds-inside, the quiet warmth of the house; outside, a garden spread out like a living painting.
Soft garden lights glowed gently, never harsh, just enough to outline the neat curves of the natural stone pathways, their surfaces shimmering faintly with night dew. Tall trees stood in measured intervals, their leaves swaying lazily whenever the wind passed through, carrying with it the subtle scent of damp earth and nocturnal blossoms-faint, but soothing.
At the center of the garden, a fountain reflected golden light, its ripples moving slowly-steady, rhythmic-as if affirming that, in this place, everything was under control. The sound of water barely reached him through the glass, but it was enough to create a sense of calm. Without realizing it, Daven slowed his steps letting his gaze linger on every corner.
For the first time since midday-since his head had been crowded with shocks and tension-his thoughts began to settle.
This was where his family was.
Althea. Josh. Grace. Waiting for him.
And here, in the Miller family home, Daven felt something he rarely allowed himself to admit: a sense of safety. Acceptance that didn’t demand explanation. As if this place itself was telling him that he wasn’t standing alone on the front line.
He straightened his shoulders, resolve quietly hardening. Daven klew this calm wasn’t a reason to let his guard down–it was a reason to stand firmer. Whatever lurked out there, whatever dared to reach for his family-including the Miller family-he would not allow it to cross even a single inch into this territory.
And just as he stepped into the living room of the right wing, a loud voice greeted him.
“Papa p>
Josh appeared from the end of the stairs, his hair slightly tousled, dressed in a casual T-shirt and sleep pants. Behind him, Grace ran with shorter steps, nearly tripping over the rug.
“Papa’s home?” Grace asked, her eyes wide, as if afraid this was only an illusion.
Without thinking, Daven dropped to one knee and opened his arm. No words were needed. The two people he loved most rushed toward him at the same time, wrapping him in a tight embrace they had no intention of letting go of too quickly.
And in that instant, something inside his chest loosened-like a kot slowly being undone.
“Yes,” Daven said, his voice softer than usual. “Papa just got hom”
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Chopter 416
+25 Bonus
Josh didn’t release him right away. At fourteen, he rarely acted like this outside the house. But here-in front of his father-he was still the same boy. “You took a long time today p>
“There were a few things I had to take care of,” Daven replied, ruting Josh’s hair. “But I’m here now, aren’t I p>
Grace studied her father’s face closely. “You look tired, Papa p>
Daven smiled faintly. “Do I?” He sounded genuinely surprised bere pressing a gentle kiss to Grace’s forehead. “Is it that obvious p>
“Yes,” Grace answered innocently. “But Mama said when Papa cohes home and gets a hug, from me, the tiredness disappears right away p>
Daven looked up.
Althea stood at the threshold of the living room, her smile soft-bt her eyes read far more than she said. That gaze-calm, steady, warm, and full of affection-quieted his already-settling thoughts even further.
All the emotional turbulence that had tightened his body and mind earlier truly eased.
“Dinner’s ready,” Althea said. “Or would you like a snack first p>
“No. I want dinner,” Daven replied quickly. “Have you eaten already p>
“Yes, we ate with Mommy,” Josh answered enthusiastically. “But we don’t mind keeping you company while you eat, Dad.” “In that case, I’ll have dinner with a few stories,” Daven said lightly. “From you-and from Grace too p>
“Of course p>
They headed to the smaller dining room, much more intimate than the one in the main building. Josh immediately took his seat, with Grace quickly following his lead. Meanwhile, Althea begin serving the meal she had prepared for her husband.
“I got the highest score in physics,” Josh announced.
Daven raised an eyebrow. “Seriously p>
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