A Daughter's Distant Call

Elara shifted slightly in her chair, her eyes fixed on her computer screen as she waited for Beck Harper's response.

"Yes, I did," Beck replied after a brief pause. "But there's no need to repay me. Consider it a professional courtesy."

Elara frowned, uncomfortable with the idea of accepting such generosity from someone she barely knew. "I appreciate the gesture, but I'd prefer to settle the debt. Please tell me the amount."

"Six hundred and seventy-five dollars," Beck finally answered, his tone suggesting reluctance.

"Thank you. I'll transfer that amount immediately," Elara said, already reaching for her banking app. "And thank you for handling the situation."

"Of course, Mrs. Thorne."

Elara ended the call and quickly arranged the payment. As she set her phone down, she noticed Julian watching her with raised eyebrows.

"You really couldn't let that go, could you?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe of her home office.