10. Considerate

The next week, Lloyd walked into Frost Global Enterprises headquarters, Starlight, looking less than normal. Many employees who knew him for his happy go lucky character quickly noticed this change but didn't dare to ask.

"Good morning, Director Reigns," they each greeted, and only then did he notice them. But even then, he only waved and nodded st them. Still, unlike his usual self.

"What must have happened to the director?"

"How would I know? You and I are in the same office, aren't we?"

"Stop poking your nose in someone else's business if you still want to keep your jobs."

"You say that like you are not curious."

"I am, but I know when to mind my business,"

These and many questions aroused with different assumptions of their possible answers and reason, but none of those reached the ears of Lloyd Reigns, who had entered the president's elevator. Yes, he appeared distracted, and truly he was.

"You look beat up," Ezekiel commented the moment the elevator opened. Lloyd cursed at his stars to bump into him at the very moment. Why would he even be here anyway?

"I've got issues. So what? Who hasn't?" Lloyd said as he walked around Ezekiel and headed for his cabin. Ezekiel, who was heading down to the reception, turned around to follow him. "Don't you have work to do?"

"I do," Ezekiel replied but continued following Lloyd until he was seated. "What happened this time? Don't tell me this is a late symptom from your encounter," sarcasm dripped from his tone.

"Am I a bad father?"Loyd asked, and the suddenness and unexpectedness of the question threw Ezekiel off. "Even a five year old girl is much more considerate than I am," Lloyd chuckled. "In her own little way, she is protecting me, but at the same time, it's hurting her. I had no idea until a few days ago."

"Did something happen to Pearl?" Ezekiel asked, his brows furrowing. He didn't know of any other five year old that Lloyd could possibly talk about.

"Not physically. She has just gotten so good at masking her emotions at such a young age that even I can't read her. It just shows how incapable I am as her father." Lloyd said. All through the weekend, he couldn't forget how she cried the moment she saw him and felt safe. He was glad she felt safe and secured in his arms. That was something every parent wanted, but the cause of those tears remained stuck in his memory, haunting him and making that moment unbearable.

"I may not understand what is really going on, but I have seen how much you care for her. Perhaps you have been overworking recently and need some time off with her. Since it's the summer holiday, why don't you take some time off?" Ezekiel suggested, but Lloyd was silent. "I really hate when I am the one to do this. Where is Damia when you need him?"

Lloyd chuckled. "Yeah, he might be better understand what I mean," he said with a nod of his head. "He plans on proposing anytime now, right?" he asked, and Lloyd nodded his head.

"probably tonight," Ezekiel replied.

"Happy for him," not so much for me. He added in his head.

"Once Aunt Vivian hears about Damians engagement, you won't be allowed to breathe anymore," Ezekiel jokes, laughing even but going silent when Lliy

Lloyd commented.

"I am already not breathing. But then again, she is right. Pearl does need a mother. I've decided to give it a shot." Lloyd admitted, causing Ezekiel to arch a brow.

"Because Damian is getting engaged, you suddenly think it is time you should too?" he sounded amused, and his expression gave it all away.

"No. But because it is what she needs. It is a time I started thinking about what she needs, not just what she wants. And right now, it is clear she wants and needs a mother," Lloyd replied. and Ezekiel stared at him in disbelief.

"Are you sure you are Lloyd?" he asked, the look of concern etched on his face. Lloyd rolled his eyes. "So tye blind dates are working for you?" Ezekiel asked again.

"No. But I wanted Pearl to be the one to decide. Children do have special gifts at recognizing what is true and what is not. Besides, I am marrying because I want to give her a mother figure. There's no harm.in marrying the woman she likes," Lloyd explained, and once again, Ezekiel wad at a loss for words.

Letting a child decide who you are tied to for life. It was quite interesting and unexpected "Whatever works for you, man," Ezekiel said. He was going to wait and see how things turn out.

**

Meanwhile, Anna was focused on her work. She wanted to finish as much work as she could before her departure so that even when she was absent, the company could still function normally. She frowned but after seeing that it was Willow calling, she put everything aside and picked up the phone.

"Willow?" Anna said.

"Everything is ready ma'am. I got you a pent house close to Mr Reigns Residence as you have instructed," Willow reported.

Hearing that, Anna didn't know when a pleased and satisfied smile curled on her lips. She nodded her head as if Willow could see it. "You have done well Willow, thank you," she couldn't wish for anything better.

"I am glad to know that you like it, Ma'am," Willow said although Anna could imagine the girl blushing from ear to ear.

"I will be there soon. All that I am working on should be done by then. Be on stand by, Willow, and be careful. You are my eyes and ears in Empire." Anna said. Knowing Lloyd and his friends, they should have spotted Willow by now already and would have taken action but they were silent. Not that she was complaining as they made everything easier but it was unnerving.

Damian was away, Lloyd and Ezekiel as well as Damian's secretary, Hans, were currently at Empire City it was near impossible for people like those three to not know that someone was digging up information about them.

"Be careful Willow. If you ever notice someone is following you, do not hesitate to let me know, understood?" Anna said with concern in her voice.

Silence stretched for a few seconds before Willow spoke. "Well, about that…"