Chapter 36

Damon was shameless. She had to give him that, but that didn't mean she was going to let him create a nonexistent hell out of her life.

She rubbed her temples. "Why did I choose Mabella as Angel's pediatrician?" She asked thin air when she realized just what she had done.

The latter was qualified for the job and would probably do it better than anyone else could, especially because Angel was her nephew. She had to agree as much, but that didn't mean she did not dread the possibility of her using her job as a chance to make Angel and Damon meet up without her knowledge.

"Being in control is what matters the most to you." Mina remarked when Avery briefed her about the situation. The latter had dropped by to bring some of Avery's work over, so she would work from home today.

"How could you say that? I only have my son's best interests in mind." She retorted.

"Of course you do." Mina sipped the mango juice that had been brought over by a maidservant and savored its taste. It was cold and as calming as the breeze. But when she felt Avery's glare, she had to snap out of it. "Avery, no one loves Angel more than you do. That's just the truth."

"There is a giant 'but' behind that." She saw it coming.

Mina didn't deny it. "You are also the one who protects him too much. You care about his safety but sometimes, too much care will result in nothing but hurt."

Avery laughed. "What's your point? That I should let his scumbag of a father be as close to him as he wants?"

"That's not what I said. I only think…"

"That I should stop restricting him." She scoffed. "I'm sorry Mina. I don't need your opinion right now."

Mina shrugged in surrender. She couldn't bring herself to blame Avery. Not after everything she had been through because of the D'aboville family.

"I got a dozen requests from RA Vaille, seeking to collaborate. There are a few dozens of them every day." She reported, switching to work instead. She cursed under her breath when she remembered just who the CEO of RA Vaille was. "I know how to deal with it."

"Thank you." Avery left the rooftop terrace and Mina could only leave as well.

Angel grabbed her legs on her way out, to express that he didn't want her to leave. Her heart melted into a mush.

"I'll drop by again to play with you." She placated him, which resulted in him hugging her emotionally. She couldn't help admitting that he was too adorable. He would steal the heart of everyone who saw him if he was let out to play.

After saying goodbye to one of his few friends, Angel rushed back to Avery to ask for hugs and kisses.

She held him in her arms and gently patted him. "Mabella will be here soon. Do you remember her?"

He thought about it and nodded happily. She was helpless. Since Angel liked Mabella, she could stay.

….

Mabella had promised to drop by at two in the afternoon and she arrived with a few minutes to spare.

"Angel, I missed you!" She hugged the little boy who was waiting for her at the door.

"He likes you." Avery smiled fondly as she watched the two of them hug. He was becoming friendlier by the day but it was obvious that aside from her, he liked Mabella more than anyone else.

"I'm flattered." Mabella joked and looked at him. "Can I pick you up?"

The boy looked like he was about to nod but he turned to silently ask Avery for permission with adorable eyes that could make one say yes even if they were preparing to decline.

"Of course." She allowed him, and he jumped onto Mabella like she was taking too long to pick him up. It was great to finally see him make a friend, even if that friend was a member of the family she wanted nothing to do with.

He shyly twined his small arms around Mabella's neck with a smile on his face. It was a mystery what he liked so much about Mabella.

"Would you like to sit in through the sessions?" Mabella offered, to which Avery shook her head.

"He might be more comfortable in my absence."

Mabella was evidently puzzled but she pretended that it was an ordinary occurrence. It was not. She had expected Avery to sit through the entire session and make sure she was not teaching Angel anything that should not be taught.

Of course, Avery only trusted the love that the siblings shared. Mabella would not hurt Damon's son.

However, she was yet to trust her as a person, which is why she gave Mina a call as soon as she left them.

"Avery?" Mina was not expecting her call.

"Help me run a background check on Mabella D'aboville." She instructed.