บท 80: HARLEY: Eavesdrop

I peered back at my father, but couldn't utter a word. Instead, I marched up to him, drawing a deep breath before saying, "Can we talk?" 

He didn't move immediately, but he did open the door, letting me into his office. I walked in, but I didn't sit down, watching as he took a seat on his office chair. He glanced at me. 

"Why are you here?" Amadeo asked. "Is this because of the conference you—"  

"No. I know you didn't mean it." I shook my head, saving myself the hurt. "I could never be your precious daughter. You don't have to worry, I'm still very self-aware."  

His lips were parted like a dried fish, and whatever he intended to say, he couldn't say it anymore. "I see," he mumbled. "That is good." And he looked away, picking up the documents on his desk. "The deal will be over tomorrow, and you'll come home. Thank you for staying. I appreciate that." 

"You do?" I asked the question before I could even ponder it.