Chapter 474
Chapter 474
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Daven stared at the items for a long moment. Something tightened in his chest–not because of the situation, but because of the quiet care wrapped into every detail.
“You shouldn’t have to do all this,” he said softly.
Althea lifted her face. “I’m your wife. What’s wrong with doing this? Does it bother you?” Her words were simple, but firm.
“Not at all,” Daven took a deep breath. “I’m just sad you have to go through this p>
Althea sat down on the sofa and patted the empty space beside her. “Sit p>
Daven obeyed.
Normally, when they were relaxing in the lounge-either at their home or in the right-wing pavilion-Althea would never hesitate to lean against Daven’s shoulder. But this time, for some reason, Daven moved first.
He didn’t care if someone might see them. Daven needed to rest against Althea’s shoulder-small, seemingly fragile, yet standing strong through all the pressures they’d faced.
“What is this?” Althea tried to hold back her laughter.
“Am I not allowed?” Daven leaned into her even more. “Wasn’t your coming here because you missed me, too p>
“All right, all right,” Althea laughed. “What am I supposed to do with this? Turns out the CEO of Callister Group can be like this p>
Daven said nothing, only wrapping an arm around Althea’s waist. They stayed like that for a long while. Althea let him, because it seemed Daven truly needed this kind of support.
“I’m sorry,” Daven whispered. “I failed to protect you p>
“You already said that earlier.” Althea shook her head at once. “Don’t say it again. I don’t like it p>
“I couldn’t keep you away from the news, the pressure, all those judging eyes,” Daven continued. “All of that should’ve been aimed at me. As a husband, I should have p>
“As a husband,” Althea cut in gently, “you’ve already done more than enough p>
She reached for Daven’s hand and held it tightly. “I trust that whatever you’ve done hasn’t been just for the company’s sake. There are so many aspects you’ve considered to keep Callister Group running p>
Daven studied their joined hands for a long moment.
“It hasn’t been just one or two years that you’ve been carrying Callister Group,” Althea went on. “Besides, your father built that company with so much effort, didn’t he? I know you’d never act carelessly. What bothers me is how the news frames you-as if you were the mastermind behind some massive wrongdoing p>
“I’ve asked the lawyers to look into the coverage,” Daven said.
“Daddy Nathan said it’s possible certain parties are pushing your name back into the spotlight,” Althea added. “ Like it’s all being orchestrated p>
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Chapter 474
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“That’s possible,” Daven replied with a faint smile. “For now, I just have to behave-because every move I make is being watched.” He lifted the back of Althea’s hand and pressed a long kiss there.
“Please, be patient with me p>
“When have I ever been impatient with you?” Althea laughed softly.
“Oh-what about the kids?” Daven suddenly remembered Josh and Grace. He hoped what was happening to him wouldn’t leave scars on them.
“Josh and Grace are fine,” Althea reassured him. “Daddy Nathan made sure everything’s safe. They’ve been asked to stay home from school for a while. You know how news like this can be used to shake children p>
“And weaken me, too,” Daven added quietly. “Please thank Mr. Miller for me. And thank you as well, love p>
“I haven’t done anything extraordinary,” Althea said. “I’m just doing what I should p>
Daven smiled softly. “That’s already extraordinary to me p>
Althea rested her head on Daven’s shoulder-this time, switching roles. Daven adjusted his posture so she could lean comfortably against him.
“You know what’s the scariest part?” he said.
“What p>
“Not the worst-case scenario,” Daven answered honestly. “But the reality that we have to wait p>
Daven gently rubbed her back. “I’ll hold on to what I know is right p>
“I know p>
“And you won’t be alone,” Daven went on. “I won’t let this system tear us apart p>
Althea let out a long breath. “I don’t need you to do anything reckless. You said it yourself-every move you make is being watched p>
Daven pressed a soft kiss to the crown of her head. “You’re right p>
“I just need you to come home soon,” Althea said quietly.
Daven lifted her chin slightly so she had to look at him. Surprise flickered in the eyes of the woman he loved more than anything-but he ignored it. All he wanted was one kiss. Just one, on lips brushed with a soft pink lipstick.
“I’ll come home soon,” he said gently. “Wait for me calmly. Okay p>
Althea pouted in mild protest, but because of what Daven had done, she shifted her position. Turning to face him, she boldly settled herself onto his lap.
“Yes, I’ll wait for you,” she said. “But for now, could you please not kiss me halfway p>
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