Chapter 27
After scaling the deal with Lilian, Natalie and Sherry were neck–deep in work, crafting gowns on a tight leash for Lilian’s birthday party. With two surprise orders added to the mix, they were sewing in shifts, day and night.
The designs were tricky, needing special fabrics and intricate hand–stitched patterns that were all Natalie’s domain, while Sherry was on the hunt for fabrics and keeping production humming. This left Zayn and Emma in Vanessa’s watchful eye back at their apartment.
“Vanessa, can you take us out today?” Zayn asked urgently. They’d been in Janisburg for what felt like forever, and he’d yet to see his father. With their mother’s job about to finish here, time was running out. If they didn’t find their father soon, they’d have to return to Yvengard without him.
“Where do you want to go, kids? The amusement park or the zoo?” Vanessa replied, thinking the twins were just in need of some fresh air.
“We want to see our dad,” Emma chimed in, her voice carrying a trace of melancholy.
“But what if we can’t find him?” Vanessa questioned, her forehead creasing with concern.
To be honest, after the last trip to Evercrest Group, Vanessa had her doubts about being led on a wild goose chase by the twins.
“Vanessa, please take us there again. I’ve called ahead to make sure my dad’s there,” Zayn said, his confidence clear–he’d done his homework.
“Yes, and Zayn said once Mom’s work was done, we’d be going back to Yvengard, and seeing Dad would be tough,” Emma added, her eyes glistening with the threat of tears.
“Alright, let’s go,” Vanessa agreed, melting at their request. She hailed a cab, and they set off for Evercrest Group’s headquarters.
When they arrived, Emma was sent in first, as planned. She worked her charm on the receptionist, who smiled and pressed the elevator button for her.
On the top floor, Emma made a beeline for Lucy, the secretary from last time. “Lucy, I’m back. Is my dad in his office today?”
Lucy recognized Emma, who had come looking for Shawn before, claiming to be his daughter.
“Emma, you’re here. Mr. Guzman is in. Let me see if he’s available,” Lucy said, heading toward the CEO’s office and knocking on the door.
“Come in.” Shawn’s voice, deep and resonant, came from within.
The door was barely open when Emma slipped past Lucy and rushed in. “Daddy, I’ve finally found you!” Emma exclaimed.
Shawn was taken aback as the tiny figure launched itself at him, clinging to his chest in a tight embrace. It was a first–such a young child showing him such affection–and he stood there, momentarily stunned.
Lucy’s eyes widened in surprise as Emma dashed past her. Feeling Shawn’s sharp eyes on her, she quickly tried to explain, “Mr. Guzman, this little girl has come here before, saying she’s your daughter looking for you.” Despite the pressure of Shawn’s intense gaze, Lucy managed to keep her voice steady as she spoke the truth.
But Shawn was silent, gazing down at the little girl clinging to him. Her hair, a dense thatch of curls, brushed gently against his chest, and she carried the sweet scent of baby powder.
He’d never thought of himself as someone who was naturally drawn to kids, but as he felt the tightness of her embrace, annoyance was the last thing on his mind. On the contrary, it was as if a part of his heart he didn’t know existed was melting.
Seeing Shawn’s serious expression, Lucy paused, unsure if Emma had the wrong person. “Mr. Guzman, I apologize. Let me take the child out of here,” she said, ready to usher Emma away,
“No, no, Daddy, I finally found you. I won’t leave,” Emma protested, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked up at Shawn. She’d finally found her father and wasn’t ready to be taken away.
“Daddy, don’t you like me?” Emma’s cry was a plea that tugged at his heartstrings.
Shawn, feeling the weight of the moment, awkwardly assured Emma, “I’m not trying to send you away.” Then, looking at Lucy, he said, “You can
leave‘
“Sure, Mr. Guzman, Lucy said, stepping out of the office.
After Lucy left, Emma’s tears slowly dried up.
Then Shawn carried her to the sofa and sat her down, but Emma clung to his arm, saying, “Daddy, where are you going?”
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Chapter 27
“Just finishing up some work. You stay here, and I’ll get you a snack,” Shawn said, his tone gentle but his eyes already back on his tasks.
“Okay, Daddy,” Emma replied, settling back with a mix of obedience and sadness.
Shawn, focused and efficient, returned to his desk and made a quick call. “Lucy, bring in some food and drinks, something a kid would enjoy.”
As he went back to his work, Emma sat quietly on the sofa, her mind already plotting how to text Zayn the news about seeing their father.
Lucy soon arrived with a tray of cupcakes, fruit, and a glass of orange juice, setting them on the side table. “Emma, I’ve got your favorite strawberry cupcakes from last time. Enjoy,” she said with a warm smile.
“Thank you,” Emma said, already biting into one.
Shawn glanced up to see Emma’s cheeks full and a bit of cream at the corner of her mouth. He walked over, pulled a napkin from the dispenser,
and wiped her mouth gently. “Take it easy there. No need to rush,” he advised, his voice uncharacteristically soft a
“Do we have any information about her parents?” Shawn inquired, his gaze returning to Emma.
Lucy was momentarily confused, thinking, ‘Isn’t her father you, boss?!
But she only said, “Not sure. She mentioned coming with her brother and a woman last time.”
“You can go now.” Shawn dismissed her with a nod.
“Right away, Mr. Guzman,” Lucy responded, leaving the room.
With no useful information from Lucy, Shawn made a mental note to have Eric look into it.
As he watched Emma savor her food, Shawn found himself drawn into her simple joy. The ordinary cupcakes seemed like a feast to her, and Shawn felt an odd connection. “What’s your name?” he asked.
“I’m Emma, Daddy. Want a strawberry cupcake?” she asked, noticing Shawn’s gaze on her treat. She held out a cupcake to him, thinking he’d like it.
“You go ahead. I’m good,” Shawn declined with a smile.
“You should have some, Daddy. I have plenty,” Emma insisted, pushing a cupcake into Shawn’s mouth before he could protest.
“Delicious, right? Mommy loves them, too,” Emma said between bites, clearly delighted.
“Mmm,” Shawn agreed, the sweet strawberry flavor surprising him. It was indeed different, and he found himself enjoying it more than he expected.
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