In the study, Cristopher didn't choose the chair behind his desk but sat on the sofa in the corner.
It didn't look like this was about business.
Cristopher took a cigar from the cabinet, warming it as he asked, "What do you think of Eli's idea for that film company?"
Eli?
Averi spoke frankly. "Let's take a closer look first. J Corp doesn't have any operations in this field, and diving into a new industry like this is risky. Plus, the film industry's been pretty turbulent lately—you never know what kind of money's going into it. We could end up with more trouble than it's worth."
Cristopher nodded. "True enough." Lighting his cigar, he took a puff, then, with a hint of a smile, said, "But he's still your younger brother. Did you really have to leave him hanging like that at the dinner table?"
"Precisely because he's my brother, I wanted to completely put an end to his idea."
Cristopher laughed heartily, shaking his head with a sigh, "Only from you would I hear such honesty."
A slight frown creased Averi's brow before she quickly relaxed, still smiling outwardly, though she thought to herself: Perhaps Cristopher is really getting old. He's actually reflecting on these matters.
Thin smoke swirled upward as Averi quietly inhaled the cigar's aroma, waiting for Cristopher to speak.
After a long pause, he suddenly said,"You've always been steady, the dependable one. I've never had to worry about you."
Averi didn't know what to say, so she simply murmured, "Okay."
After a brief silence, Cristopher switched topics, "How's Milo doing lately?"
Averi replied, "He's doing well."
Cristopher nodded, "That's good. Men, especially capable ones, are bound to have wandering eyes at times. But the clearer-headed they are, the more they can distinguish who's just for fun and who's meant to bring home. I don't think Milo's the type to be confused."
Is this a bond of mutual understanding between playboys?
Averi's expression remained unchanged, "Dad, I understand."
Cristopher paused, as if seeing her for the first time, studying her face intently for a long moment, then said, "Yes, yes, I don't need to worry about you."
"I've heard he's likely to be selected for the next committee. Our family business has reached its peak. From here on, all I want is stability and peace." He paused, then continued, "Edward only lets Milo have his way because he has just the one son, born later in life. That's why he indulges him."
Averi nodded, "Don't worry, Dad, I understand."
Companies like the Forbes family are common; there are hundreds, if not thousands, across the country, but there are only a few positions in the committee.
Milo is more precious than her.
Looking at his daughter's calm, unreadable expression, Cristopher felt a wave of mixed emotions. As a father, he'd have preferred a cheerful, carefree daughter. But as the chairman of a publicly traded company, he would never entrust the business to someone naive and innocent.
Cristopher fiddled with the ashtray thoughtfully and said, "Out of all the children, you are the one who resembles me most in my youth, talented and willing to work hard."
Averi waited half a minute before Cristopher spoke again, but this time, it was unrelated to the previous topic.
"Averi, seize the opportunity. The Forbes family business will be yours sooner or later."
Averi was taken aback, looking at Cristopher with surprise and confusion, as if asking why he would be so forthright.
Cristopher didn't explain further, simply saying, "You should get some rest too."
"Yes, Dad, you should get some rest too." Before leaving, Averi turned around and advised, "Smoke less."
Cristopher chuckled, nodded, and said, "Alright."
Once he was alone in the study, Cristopher closed his eyes, leaned back into the sofa with a cigar in hand.
Half a lifetime of ups and downs flashed before his eyes like clouds and smoke, leaving him unsure if it was good or bad in the end.
*
In the living room, everyone else had already gone back to their rooms, leaving only Odin.
Seeing her come out, Odin handed her a cup of chamomile tea. "Out so soon?"
"Thank you." She took a sip. The temperature was just right. The gentle floral scent eased Averi's nerves, and she shook her head, saying, "Just a brief chat, nothing important."
"That's good. I thought he was really going to make you start up a new company as a scapegoat."
Averi glanced at him in amusement, "You've got some nerve, speaking out at a time like that."
The slender boy shrugged nonchalantly, "If you're not afraid, why should I be? Can't let you be the only target."
"I see you've become bolder lately." Averi set down the cup. "I'm going to my room. Aren't you going to bed?"
"I'll sleep in a bit."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Averi returned the teacup to the kitchen, and just before placing it in the sink, she gently brushed her fingers over the lipstick stain left on the rim.
*
Averi set her alarm early on purpose and woke up at 5 a.m. sharp. After getting ready, she went to the backyard to run.
Halfway through the first lap, she found the particularly large melon Cristopher had mentioned. The sky hadn't fully brightened yet, and there was no one else in the garden, so she boldly ran another lap.
Unexpectedly, when she came around the second time, Odin was already standing there.
Averi smiled, "You beat me to it."
Odin handed her a pair of scissors. "I was worried someone might snatch it from you, so I came to guard it. The vines have thorns, use these. After you're done, come back for some coffee."
As Averi stared in surprise, he had already gone back inside.
Around 7 a.m., the others began to wake up one by one. Averi held up the squash with a proud smile, and Cristopher beamed, calling for the housekeeper to make soup right away. Not to mention the others—even Cristopher himself hadn't expected his kids to actually take his offhand remark seriously. Now, with Averi humoring him, he was naturally delighted.
Watching her father's joyful expression, Averi suddenly found him a bit pitiable—so distant and devoid of real emotion toward others. He now craved familial affection in his old age.
There's no such thing as having it all. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
The word "greed" flashed through her mind, and Averi suddenly became wary.
If Cristopher's desire for affection was greed, then what was her attachment to Dallas?
