Eventually, Kylie was driven from the kitchen.

She stood in the living room for a while before gaining the courage to go upstairs. She knocked on the door to his study.

“Come in,” spoke the man in a low voice.

She pushed the door open and poked her head around the corner. “Hi...”

Ethan sat in a big boss chair, with his white shirt sleeves still rolled up to his elbows. His fingers toyed with a valuable pen. Upon seeing her, he paused, then continued to play with the pen.

Kylie came in with a smile and lay the plate of fruit down in front of him.

“Some fruit for...