Chapter 36 Teri Runs Away The butler's voice came through the phone, sounding rushed and panicked. "Mr. Zaden, something terrible happened! Ms. Teri ... she's gone!" Zaden's face darkened at once. His tone was sharp. "Explain. Now." 67 Finished "Tonight, Ms. Teri came back to the estate. She might have overheard something, and then she ran out. We've already sent people to search, but there's no sign of her." Zaden's jaw tightened. His expression grew grim. Without another word, he hung up and stormed out. At the same time, Athena had just walked Harriet out and returned to her apartment. As she reached the front door, she noticed a small figure crouched there. The child looked thin, fragile, and miserable. Wait ... "Teri?" The little girl slowly lifted her head. Her eyes were swollen and red, streaked with tears across her cheeks. She looked pitiful, as if she had been crying for a long time. Athena's heart tightened. This isn't right. How did she end up here? Athena hurried forward, scooping her into her arms. "Teri, why are you here? Where's your dad? How could he let you be outside so late at night?" She used to think Zaden was a pretty decent single father. But now, seeing his daughter outside by herself in the middle of the night, all that good impression vanished. Teri was too sweet and innocent. What if someone dangerous had taken her away? Teri sniffled and whispered, "Athena... I-I'm being kicked out of my house. Will you let me stay with you?" The words shocked Athena. She froze. "What did you just say?" Zaden wanted to throw Teri out? 1/3 14:42 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 36 Ten Runs Away That couldn't be true. : A 67 Finished She pushed aside her doubts for now. Athena opened the door and brought the girl inside. She grabbed a clean towel, gently wiped Teri's hands and face, then twisted open a bottle of water and handed it to her. "Teri, tell me why your dad would want you out of the house." Athena looked at Teri and spoke in a gentle tone, trying to comfort her as she asked the question. Maybe because of Athena's calm voice, Teri's tears slowed. She took a shaky breath and spoke. "Tonight, I went back to my grandparents' house. I overheard them talking. They said they're setting up a blind date for my dad, and they said I'd be sent away. Waaaaa!" Her voice cracked, and she started crying again, burying her face in her hands. Athena was stunned. Zaden was going on a blind date, and he was planning to send Teri away? Before she could say something, her phone rang. The caller ID showed Zaden's name. He was probably looking for Teri. Athena quickly answered. "Ms. Hall, sorry to call so late," Zaden's deep voice came through. "Have you seen Teri?" "Yes, she's here with me." Zaden's tone instantly softened with relief. "I'm on my way." As soon as Athena hung up, Teri looked up nervously. "Was that my dad? Is he coming to take me home? I don't want to go with him. I want to stay with you!" Before Athena could respond, Teri jumped off the couch and clung tightly to her leg like a little koala. Athena crouched down and gently wrapped her arms around her. "It's okay," she said softly, "Let's wait for your dad to come here. If you really don't want to go, I won't let him force you." It took a while, but Teri finally calmed down. Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. Athena walked to the door and opened it. Zaden stood outside, tall and composed. His eyes swept the room. When he saw Teri sitting safely on the couch, the tension on his face eased. 2/3 14:42 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 36 Teri Runs Away Athena remembered what Teri had said carlier and stepped aside slightly. "Mr. Storm, come in." A 67 Finished In the living room, Zaden sat on the couch. Teri hid behind Athena, refusing to even look at him. Athena studied Zaden. He was dressed in a black shirt, two buttons undone at the top, showing a glimpse of his collarbone-so effortlessly handsome it was distracting. But that didn't excuse his carelessness. "Mr. Storm," Athena said sternly, "when I got home after meeting Harriet, I found Teri squatting by my door. She's just a kid! How could you let her wander around alone like that? It's dangerous out there!" Her voice rose as she went on. "She was sitting in a dark hallway, all by herself! What if I hadn't come back in time? I know you're busy, but you can't just neglect her like this. Kids from single- parent homes need extra care for their hearts as much as their minds!" By the end, she was talking fast, words tumbling out like a teacher scolding a student. Zaden didn't interrupt. He sat quietly, listening, his expression unreadable. When Athena finally realized what she was doing-lecturing him-her face flushed slightly. She really had no right to be telling Zaden how to raise his daughter. Zaden waited for her to finish. Then he said in a low voice, "You're right. I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time." "Good." Athena cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "Since you understand, then you can take Teri home." She reached out to lift Teri, but the little girl tightened her arms around Athena's waist and refused to let go. Send Gifts { 150 க 3/3 14:42 Sat, Oct 18 From Betrayal to Brilliance. Her Rise to a New Life