Spoiled

"Dad!" I call out, my voice ringing with excitement as I sprint toward my father, who is waiting just beyond the massive iron gates of Sector A.

He stands tall, his usual stern expression in place, but I don't miss the faint twitch of a smile as he opens his arms to catch me. For all his efforts to maintain his intimidating presence, I know better.

"Emmaline, you're too old for this," he says, attempting a strict tone. But the warmth in his eyes betrays him, and I grin, unbothered by his mild scolding.

That's the thing about my dad—he's always had a soft spot for me. It's probably why the original Emmaline was so spoiled. And, honestly? I can see why. It's hard not to feel a little indulgent when someone looks at you like you're the center of their world.

"Let's go," he says, his commanding voice drawing the attention of everyone around us. Without waiting for a response, he turns and starts walking toward his sleek, impossibly expensive car.

The sea of black-suited men—his ever-present guards—parts effortlessly, making way for us. Their movements are precise, almost choreographed, a testament to the kind of authority my father wields.

"Ahem!" A voice clears behind us, and my stomach drops. Oh no. I forgot all about him.

My father stops abruptly and turns, his sharp eyes narrowing at the interruption. He doesn't say a word, but his gaze lands on Viper, who's now blocked by the guards. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can feel Viper's frustration even from here.

"Oh dear," I mutter under my breath before quickly stepping in. "Father, this is my new assistant." I gesture toward Viper with a practiced smile, hoping to smooth things over.

"Ben, this is my father," I add, and Viper bows respectfully. He's doing his best to appear deferential, though I know it's probably killing him inside to play nice.

My dad, imposing as always, doesn't acknowledge the bow immediately. His piercing eyes scan Viper with open scrutiny, sizing him up like he's an opponent on a chessboard.

"Don't do that, Dad," I interject, my tone light but firm. I give him a pointed look, silently pleading for him to dial it down a notch.

He grumbles under his breath, clearly not thrilled about the idea but relenting nonetheless. "Fine."

We resume walking toward the car, the guards once again falling into formation around us. My father's posture remains rigid, though I can tell he's still mulling over Viper's presence.

"If you wanted an assistant, you should have told me," he says after a moment, his tone clipped but not entirely unkind. "How are you so sure you can trust him?"

The question hangs in the air, heavy with implication. I glance at Viper, who's keeping his expression carefully neutral, then back at my father.

"I just know," I say confidently, even though I feel the weight of his skepticism pressing down on me. My father has always been protective, and while it can be suffocating, I know it comes from a place of love.

Still, this isn't the time to back down. Viper's presence was not part of my plan—but he is part of my life now. My father will just have to trust me.

My father stops in his tracks, turning to face me fully, his gaze unwavering. The guards halt immediately, their sharp movements creating an unsettling silence around us.

"You just know, do you?" he repeats, arching an eyebrow. His voice is low, measured, but it carries a weight that only he can command.

I hold my ground, meeting his gaze without flinching. "Yes," I say, my tone firm. "I wouldn't have brought him if I didn't think he was capable."

Viper stands a few paces behind me, his hands folded neatly in front of him. Despite the scrutiny, he remains calm, though I can feel the tension radiating off him. He's probably wondering why I haven't folded under my father's pressure. Honestly, I'm his little girl he is not scary at all.

My father narrows his eyes, studying me for what feels like an eternity. Then, without warning, his expression softens ever so slightly. "You've changed, Emmaline," he murmurs, almost as if speaking to himself.

I blink in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. "Changed? How so?"

He doesn't answer immediately, instead stepping closer and resting a hand on my shoulder. "You've grown... decisive," he says, his voice carrying a note of approval. "I'm not sure if that's a good thing yet, but I can see you've thought this through."

I exhale a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, and a small smile creeps onto my face. "Of course I have, Dad. I'm not a child anymore."

His lips twitch as though he's suppressing a smile of his own. Then he straightens, his hand falling away from my shoulder. "Very well. He can stay, for now. But if he gives me even the slightest reason to question his loyalty..."

I don't need him to finish that sentence. "Understood," I say quickly, glancing over my shoulder at Viper. He gives me a barely perceptible nod, acknowledging the unspoken agreement.

With that, my father resumes walking toward the car, and I follow close behind.