12 Dad , We Need to Talk Kaia had ticked off two major items on her to - do list today . First , she made sure Alden got the message - they were done . Second , she dropped her entire savings from the past three years to buy an apartment . The moment that the property deed hit her hands , she felt like a whole new person . I'm gonna live it up in my own house from now on ! With plenty of daylight left , she rolled up to Domley Tech to throw down with her old man . The receptionist at Domley Tech didn't have a clue who Kaia was . Besides Tobias ' assistant and like two secretaries , nobody knew what the Domont heiress even looked like . " Hi , I'm here for Mr. Domont , " Kaia said , her voice calm and steady . The receptionist gave her the up - down like she was some basic . " Got an appointment? Without one , there's no way you're getting in to see Mr. Domont . " 1/6 16:59 Chapter 12 Dad , We Need to Talk 20 min left " Mind letting Mr. Bogart know Kaia Domont's here ? I'm sure he'll have me sent up , " Kaia said , keeping it civil . The receptionist let out a disdainful snort and leaned over to whisper to her colleague , " Here we go again . Another one trying to butter up the big shots . " Then she said with fake sweetness , " Sorry , ma'am . Mr. Bogart's out today . Try your luck some other time . " Even though Kaia didn't drop by Domley Tech often , the receptionist's snooty attitude was getting on her last nerve . " Give me a second , " she said , voice cold enough to freeze hell . She dialed Sally right away . " Sally , I'm down in the lobby of Domley Tech . Can you tell the receptionist I need to go up and see my dad? " Sally sounded surprised . " Oh , Kaia , didn't you tell them who you are ? " Pass them the phone . I'll set them straight . Don't be mad , they're probably new and clueless . " As expected , Sally's word was law around here . The receptionist opened up , still throwing shade under her 2/6 16:59 Chapter 12 Dad , We Need to Talk 19 min left breath . " Humph , what's the big deal ? Acting all high and mighty . " While Kaia was waiting for the elevator , lawyer Miles Lambert popped up . " Kaia ! Didn't expect to see you at Domley Tech today . " Kaia gave him a quick once - over . " Just handling some personal stuff . You here on business ? " He smiled . " Yeah , gotta see Mr. Domont about something . Well , I'd better get going . " Heard you've been crushing those cases lately . Pretty impressive for someone your age . " Miles was Jude's rival , plus , he'd married Jude's ex - wife . So , Kaia simply flashed a faint smile . " See you later , Mr. Lambert . I'm heading up now . " Then , she took the elevator up to the 22nd floor . Some of the secretaries here were old - timers who had worked under Sally . 3/6 16:59 Chapter 12 Dad , We Need to Talk 19 min left One of them recognized Kaia and escorted her to the CEO's office . " Kaia ? What's up ? " Tobias looked kinda surprised to see her . Kaia took a minute , closed that door with a smile , and walked over to her father . " Dad , we need to talk . " Tobias's face dropped . He hated his daughter showing up at work like this . " Can't this wait till we're home ? " Kaia ignored his tone , pulled up a chair , and made herself comfy . " I think it's better to have it here . " Tobias put his pen down and got serious . " Alright , go on . What's it about ? " " I dumped Alden . Dad , you'd better cancel those wedding invites before things get super awkward later . " " Kaia , I hope you're pulling my leg . I won't let you break up with Alden ! " Tobias blurted out , his voice thick with disbelief and 4/6 16:59 Chapter 12 Dad , We Need to Talk 19 min left simmering anger . Kaia just shrugged , her tone as nonchalant as could be . " Too late , Dad . It's over . We're done . " Tobias shot up from his seat , his hand instinctively flying up like he was about to hit her . But Kaia stepped back fast , dodging without flinching . " Dad , once was enough . There's no way I'm standing here and taking another hit . " Tobias started pacing the floor like a caged animal , his face all twisted up in frustration . " Alden agreed to this ? This engagement was set up by both families ! He can't just back out like that ! " " His say - so doesn't matter . This ain't the Middle Ages . Ever heard of falling in love by choice ? " Kaia shot back , her defiance ringing clear . Tobias threatened , his voice cold , " Kaia , think this through . If you dare break off the engagement , you're on the hook for your grandma's nursing home fees . " That's half a million dollars a year . You'd better give it some serious thought . " 5/6