Episode 3

The soft hum of chatter filled the office as Aria sat at her desk, finishing the last of her emails. She was scanning through the last document when Rachel poked her head in, a tablet in hand.

“Ma’am, Mr. Howard just sent an update,” Rachel said. “The 10 a.m. meeting with Smith & Co. has been postponed to next week.”

Aria looked up, a little surprised. “Postponed? Did he say why?”

“Something about one of their key investors being unavailable,” Rachel replied. “He said you can take your time reviewing the documents.”

Aria leaned back in her chair, letting out a small sigh of relief. “That’s actually good news. I might finally leave on time for once.”

Rachel smiled knowingly. “Heading to pick Axel up from school?”

“Exactly,” Aria said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I promised him ice cream.”

Rachel grinned. “Lucky kid. Have fun, Ma’am.”

By 3 p.m., Aria pulled up outside Axel’s school, spotting him in the crowd of kids waiting for their parents. The moment he saw her, his face lit up, and he ran toward her, his little backpack bouncing wildly.

“Mommy!” he yelled, throwing his arms around her waist as soon as she stepped out of the car.

Aria hugged him tightly, laughing. “Hi, sweetheart. How was school?”

“It was fun!” Axel said excitedly. “I painted a big rainbow, and Mrs. Clara said it was so colorful. Oh! And I shared my snacks with Mia ‘cause she forgot hers today.”

Aria brushed his hair back, her smile softening. “That was really kind of you.”

“Can we get ice cream now?” Axel asked, tilting his head, hopeful. “I was sooo good today. And I fell during tag, but I didn’t even cry! I just got up and ran again.”

Aria laughed, kissing his cheek. “Wow, that’s very brave of you. And yes, you definitely deserve some ice cream.”

Minutes later, they sat at a small ice cream shop. Axel swung his legs happily from his chair, his cheeks already sticky as he licked a big scoop of strawberry ice cream.

“Mommy, look!” Axel said, sticking his tongue out. “It’s pink!”

Aria chuckled. “You look so silly.”

“I’m not silly!” Axel giggled. “I’m happy. And when I grow up, I’m gonna buy you ice cream every day. Pink ones, chocolate ones—every kind!”

Aria’s heart melted instantly, and she reached over, kissing his forehead. “That’s so sweet, baby. Thank you.”

Axel grinned, his little nose scrunching. “I love you, Mommy.”

Aria’s chest tightened in the best way, and she smiled, brushing a bit of ice cream off his chin. “I love you too, sweetheart. More than anything.”

They sat there for a while, talking about his rainbow painting, how fast he ran during tag, and how he wanted to draw a giant sun on Monday. When they finally left, Axel hummed happily the entire car ride home.

Meanwhile…

Liam sat in the back of his sleek black car, scrolling through his phone as the city rushed past the tinted windows. His assistant’s voice broke the quiet hum of traffic.

“Smith & Co. had to postpone the merger briefing until you’re available, sir. I’ve rescheduled it for next week.”

Liam nodded slightly, not looking up from his phone. “Fine. Send me an updated report on GreenTech before then—recent projects, leadership profiles, the usual.”

His assistant hesitated for a moment, glancing back at him. “Looking for anything… specific?”

Liam finally set his phone down, his gaze shifting to the window as the city blurred past. “Just want to know who I’m trusting with my money. That’s all.”

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