Capítulo 45: Chapter 42: Visiting the Zoldyck!
"Ava, honey, Uncle Ray has to go to work," Tatiana said, mixing concern with a hint of amusement.
The baby was Luke's daughter with Tatiana. Raymond named her Ava a year ago.
"Ava's just playing around, don't worry..."
Raymond said with a smile as Ava tugged at his hair, giggling like there was no tomorrow.
But Tatiana wasn't convinced, gently coaxing Ava to let go of Raymond's head as she squirmed in her little game.
"Baba..."
Ava's giggles filled the room as she continued playing with Raymond's hair.
Despite Tatiana's gentle prodding, Ava held on tight to Raymond, determined to continue her playful antics.
"Ava, sweetheart, be a good girl and loosen your grip on Uncle..."
"..."
But Ava remained unfazed by the plea, tightly holding on to Raymond's face.
Raymond, in turn, adjusted her position so he could still see despite the face hug.
"Urghh... My little angel... Why are you ditching me for another guy already?"
Luke's tone carried a despair over his daughter's fascination.
A shadow crossed his face as he observed Ava joyfully perched on Raymond's face, seemingly having the time of her life.
Though...
In his mind, "I'm so jealous! Raymond, you fucking bastard!"
But it wasn't just Luke who harbored a twinge of jealousy towards Raymond.
Tatiana also was truly jealous.
Especially since the words she had been eagerly anticipating coming out of her daughter's mouth weren't hers or Luke's...
...but...
"Ray Ray..."
Ava's giggles erupted as Raymond extended his finger for her amusement, and she happily played along.
"..."
Those two syllables hung in the air, causing Tatiana to stiffen and shoot Raymond a death stare.
"...I didn't do anything, though?"
This left Raymond feeling quite speechless since he hadn't done anything wrong at all.
Tatiana approached them with a sigh, gently wrapping her hand around her daughter.
But Ava seemed to stiffen, holding onto Raymond's head even tighter as tears welled up in her innocent eyes.
"Baba...!"
"...Ava, sweetheart, Uncle Raymond has to go to an important meeting..."
Ava didn't seem to pay attention to her mother's words, instead gazing at Raymond with teary eyes, tugging at his heartstrings.
Raymond sighed, feeling a pang of discomfort as he reached out to comfort Ava, who struggled in his grasp, lamenting, "Ray Ray... Baba!"
"Don't you worry, little one, I won't give you away..."
"Baba?"
Ava blinked her eyes adorably.
Those two innocent orbs of hers were oozing with irresistible cuteness that could melt even the toughest hearts in the room.
"I promise..."
Raymond replied with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with affection.
As Ava released her tight grip on Raymond's face, he gently lifted her into his arms, meeting her gaze with a playful smile.
"Ready for more fun, Ava?"
"Baba!"
Her enthusiastic nod and twinkling eyes showed her excitement.
"Want to be the boss for a day, Ava?"
"Baba!"
Raymond's chuckle was met with Ava's contagious giggle, her agreement evident as she raised her head with a seemingly determined gaze in her eyes.
Tatiana and Luke stood nearby, their faces briefly cast in shadows as they watched the adorable exchange with a slight depression in their heart.
"...Our daughter," Luke muttered with blank eyes.
Tatiana nodded as she sighed, "She doesn't want us anymore..."
"Let's not make a big fuss. But she's coming with me," Raymond said with a smile.
"Baba!"
Ava chimed in, clearly in agreement, as she gazed at Tatiana and Luke.
"Are you sure it's okay?"
Luke asked, rubbing his temples wearily.
Ava turned to Raymond, her innocent eyes blinking with a question as she opened her tiny mouth, "Baba?"
"You're quite the little thinker, aren't you?" Raymond chuckled, charmed by Ava's adorable little actions.
He extended his finger for her to play with, filling the room with giggles.
Tatiana sighed, watching the scene with a small smile on her lips.
But her smile vanished as she recalled Ava's first words and a chill ran down Raymond's spine.
And so, amidst the serious gathering of Celestial Force's higher-ups, a baby unexpectedly joined the meeting.
"..."
All eyes turned to Raymond, whose typically stern and calculating expression had softened into one of warmth.
He sat at his desk, allowing the baby to play with his hand, filling the room with adorable giggles.
"Sin..."
Raymond glanced over at the man in the black suit with thick glasses, gesturing discreetly for him to muffle Ava's laughter so it wouldn't distract everyone.
"...Is he really our boss?"
"Keep me out of this. I don't want to end up on the wrong side of things."
"But..."
"Zip it!"
Whispers filled the room as they all stared at Raymond, disbelief written on their faces.
Sakujiro remained stoic, not showing much interest as he briefed on their progress.
Raymond paid attention, nodding along and asking for more important details before giving out instructions.
Seemingly grown tired of playing, Ava started to feel sleepy.
Seeing this, Raymond signaled to Sin to lift the seal.
He then scooped Ava into his arms, her tiny hand brushing against his face before she drifted off to sleep.
"Alright, that's a wrap. If there's nothing more, you can all head out..."
After an hour-long meeting, Raymond brought it to an end, and people started to leave gradually.
Luke and Tatiana entered the room once everyone had left. Raymond stood up and carefully handed Ava over to her mother.
Taking a seat in the corner, Tatiana left the men to their business as she smiled warmly at her daughter.
Sakujiro stepped aside, motioning for Sin to leave the room. With a respectful bow, Sin left, closing the door behind him.
"New guy?" Luke inquired, to which Sakujiro shook his head, "No, he's an old hand. Just got transferred here on the master's orders."
Luke's curiosity sparked as he turned to Raymond with a playful grin on his face, "What's the game plan, Ray Ray?"
"...I'll cut off your beard if you call me that one more time," Raymond sighed as Luke's expression stiffened in response.
That nickname was reserved solely for Ava!
Raymond knew that Luke had been nurturing his beard for a few years, thinking it added a cool factor.
So, his threat to cut it off was way more terrifying than one might expect.
Ignoring Luke's expression, Raymond shifted his attention to Sakujiro.
"How's he doing?"
"Hmm..." Sakujiro furrowed his brow, taking a moment to recall the reports.
"Sin should be able to seal off around 50 meters in radius..."
"That won't cut it. I need him to double that in a month..."
"I'll step up his training then," Sakujiro answered.
Raymond nodded, turning to Luke, "How about my request?"
"You're free to board the aircraft anytime today, but..." Luke's expression turned concerned as he asked, "Are you really sure about visiting them in person? You know we can always send a representative..."
Raymond chuckled, shaking his head, "Don't worry, even if the worst happens, I'll make it out alive. Plus, Sakujiro is coming with me..."
"I'll be in your care, Master," Sakujiro added with a respectful nod and a hint of a smile.
Hearing this, Luke just shook his head tiredly, scratching his head slightly, "Let's hope the Zoldyck Family knows how to be civilized. But are you sure you've told them of your arrival in advance?"
"..."
Raymond smirked in response.
Seeing Raymond's iconic smirk, Luke couldn't help but feel a twitch in his lips.
He felt quite speechless knowing that this guy was scheming something.
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