Chapter 190
Chapter 190
Maisie had already agreed, so neither Arianor Cloe could say als
Authry
hound a quiet moment, Daven leaned over and asked, “What does Maisie W
of the
Aria replied, “Gold in her favorite, followed by dolls. She loves making clothes for them. But she has so many dolls, she can’t take care of you want to get her a gift, gold is your best bet.”
“Thanks.” He hesitated, then asked, “What about you? W
about you? What do you ilike?
“You’re asking me?” Aria looked up, suprised to see Owen watching her
He smiled. “Your birthday’s coming up soon. As your friend and neighbor, it’s only right get you something”
She wasn’t surprised he knew her birthday he’d handled her divorce have to be so formal”
When they reached the car, Aria unlocked it and said, “Owen, you don’t
He opened the back door and let Clog and Maisie in, then glanced back at Ania with a small grin. “But you’ve got to
to have some sense of occasion.”
Aria didn’t push the issue. “Then get whatever you want. I’m not picky”
Just then, Emma and James walked over.
Emma said, “Owen, the driver had to leave, so your father and I will take your car. Aris, you all live in the same building so after Maisie’s birthday, could you give him a ride back?
wasn’t an unreasonable request, so Aria agreed.
Before getting in, Emma shot Owen a “go get her look, but he was too busy thinking about what gift to get Aria to notice
Aria drove, Owen took the passenger seat.
He turned to the back, smiling in the mirror, “Maisie, do you remember your home address?”
“Of course!” Maisie rattled off the address, then pulled out her smartwatch. “What’s your number? Il save it.”
Owen gave her his number, and within seconds an unfamiliar call came through, Maisie said, “Remember to save Maisie’s number.”
“Will do,” Owen promised.
Maisie was grinning ear to ear in the rearview mirror–utterly adorable.
Owen’s eyes softened; he couldn’t help thinking that if Kim had raised Maisie, she wouldn’t be the cheerful, sweet child she was now
No one loved her more than Cloe did. She was much better off with her mom than she’d ever be with Kim.
Owen quietly sent a message on his phone.
Cloe’s place was close to Amour Bistro, so they arrived in twenty minutes.
Owen lagged behind, and just as they got to the building, the out–of–breath restaurant manager rushed what you asked for.”
“Thank you” Owen said, giving his signature, polite smile before stepping into the elevator
anding him a big bag. “Mr. Shaw, here’s
Inside, Maisie immediately noticed the bag in his hand. “Whoa, are you a magician? I didn’t see you holding anything before”
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Chapter 190
Owen’s smile was gentle, “it’s your birthday today fuckily, I made it in time.“
Maisie’s eyes lit up with anticipation. After cake, she couldn’t wait to open her present.
Inside were a longevity locket, golden cicada, golden gourd, golden butterfly
Over twenty little treasures. She loved every single one
But her absolute favorite was still the big gold bar and gold phoenix Aria had given her.
A knock came at the door. Emma, James, and even Kim came by, all with presents for Maisin.
Beaming, Maisie said, “Help me carry these! I want to show you my special room for gifts
“Of course,” Owen agreed
Cloe watched her busy little girl and finally felt her worries melt away.
Maisie was surrounded by love–she should be happy.
twas clear now that the Shaw family wasn’t going to fight her for her child.
After showing off her collection, Maisie suddenly asked, “Do you like Aria!”
Owen replied, “I do”
Maisie’s eyes sparkled. “Then can you be her husband?”
Owen patted her head. “No, Maide. Like Aria as a friend”
Maisie frowned. “Is that different!”
Owen chuckled, “You’ll understand when you’re older.”
“Oh. Okay”
Daven couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you trying to find Aria a husband?”
Maisie nodded garnestly. “Mom says if you want to spend your whole life with someone, it has to be your husband. I have Mommy Mommy has me Vanessa has her assistant… But Aria’s all alone”
Liam didn’t count–he’d never even mally been with Aria, and never gave her gifts. Maisie didn’t like him at all.
Owen was genuinely touched that a five–year–old could worry about adult relationships
He said gently, “Don’t worry, Aria’s wonderful. I’m sure she’ll find someone perfect for her.”
Though, honestly, someone good enough for Aria would be tough to find
On the way back, Owen offered to drive, and Aria didn’t argue.
Aria’s phone buzzed, Patrick had sent a document.
Patrick: Info on thirteen people–they probably snuck back into Huthalia. The ringleader let me and Rhetto, we’re on our way back
The ringleader was Hudson Dodson, a boxer turned mercenary who’d stolen something and vanished,
There was a 25 million dollar bounty on his head
Chapter 190
He was skilled, nearly impossible to track, and now let
Taking him down would be no small feat.
Hudson was linked to the Solemnity Guild, so he’d certainly know who Aria was
She was sure Hudson didn’t really believe Rhett and Patrick had scammed her out of 100 miton dollar.
He must know she was baiting him.
But with all that money, how could he iesit?
The more often she appeared, the more likely she’d get discovered, especially as Hudson’s followers kept dwindling.
Once this last score was pulled off, they’d disappear. That was the risk–he’d definitely take the bait
One of his hackers was tracking Patrick, who’d never shown his full hand and always let himself seem a bit less skilled
While captive, he’d secretly hacked into the system and recorded everyone’s details.
Vanessa had already tracked down Hudson’s identity, but nothing on the rest.
Bounty hunters never hurt Huthailians, it was an unspoken rule.
Break it, and the bounty just got bigger, with the local police never letting up
No one wanted that trouble.
Aria was confident Patrick and Rhett wouldn’t be hurt, but they’d taken a huge risk–If caught, they’d be dead for sure.
Those two idiots had almost gotten themselves killed.
She closed the chat, just as Fryderyk called
“Aria, I’ve confirmed they snuck back to Huthallia. Come by the station
“Got it.”
Her phone was loud enough for Owen to hear, and he immediately took a turn toward the police station.
“You’re coming too, Owen?” Aria asked.
“Yeah. Allen will probably call me any second now.”
He’d already guessed why Fryderyk wanted Aria–those people were targeting her
Just then, his phone rang
Owe
me?”
AD
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