Chapter 154: Arriving

After getting changed, Kai was making his way towards the living room when he caught sight of the two figures waiting for him.

His steps gradually slowed.

Jean stood near the sofa, holding Elara in her arms.

She had changed into an elegant champagne-coloured gown that fitted her waist before flowing gracefully towards the floor.

The soft sheen of the fabric complemented her figure, while the delicate neckline and understated jewellery added to her refined appearance. Her hair had been arranged in loose waves, framing her face beautifully.

Next, the little angel in her arms that caught his attention.

Elara was dressed in an adorable dusty pink gown, its layered skirt giving it the appearance of a miniature princess dress.

Delicate floral embroidery adorned the bodice, while a small satin bow rested at her waist. Her little shoes and matching hairband completed the look.

For a moment, Kai simply stood there, taking in the sight before him.

He had seen Jean dressed beautifully on occasions, but there was something particularly captivating about seeing her like this. And with Elara nestled comfortably in her arms, the two of them made an almost picture-perfect sight.

"Wow..."

The word escaped his lips before he could think of anything else.

Jean turned towards him, a faint smile appearing on her face. "What?"

Kai shook his head, still looking at them.

"Nothing. I was just thinking that I might have to spend the entire evening making sure nobody steals you and my daughter away."

Jean couldn’t help but laugh at his remark, while Elara looked at her father with curious eyes, seemingly unaware of the effect she had just had on him.

Kai immediately took a few pictures of the two, wanting to preserve the moment. Jean, however, insisted that they take one together as well, making sure all three of them were in the frame. Kai obliged, capturing the picture before they finally prepared to leave.

"If Elara doesn’t feel comfortable there, let me know," Kai said after settling into the driver’s seat.

Elara was secured in her child seat at the back, while Jean sat beside him.

"I understand. Though I think she’ll be fine as long as one of us stays close to her." Jean paused before adding, "Hopefully, no one tries to hold her. Otherwise, things are bound to get troublesome."

If there was one thing Elara disliked almost as much as being bathed, it was being held by someone she didn’t recognize. She could tolerate unfamiliar faces to some extent, but the moment someone tried to pick her up, her reaction was almost immediate.

And once she started crying, getting her to calm down was an entirely different challenge.

"I don’t think I’ll know anyone there well enough to let them hold her. The only exception might be Mr. Adam."

Jean hummed in agreement. And that only exception too wouldn’t try to hold Elara as far as she could guess.

The car continued along the road, passing through a traffic signal before Jean turned her attention to Kai.

"How did things go with Mark today?"

Naturally, she was already aware that Mark had begun working with Kai, handling the sale of the beasts Kai hunted through the black market.

Ordinarily, anyone looking to sell beast carcasses and their byproducts to the Association would require the appropriate licences for transportation, storage, and commercial distribution. Acquiring those permits was practically impossible for someone in Mark’s position, leaving them with little choice but to explore other avenues.

The black market was the most convenient option.

Jean had initially been apprehensive about the arrangement, but Kai had assured her that it was largely a gathering place for traders conducting business outside the regulations. It wasn’t inherently dangerous, provided one knew how to avoid dishonest merchants and the occasional scam.

"He called me earlier and said the byproducts from the two raids I supplied would be more than enough to secure a deal. He’s planning to contact his buyer tomorrow and take things forward from there."

Jean considered that for a moment before asking, "Will you be accompanying him?"

Kai hummed thoughtfully. "Would you like me to?"

"If I have a say in it, I’d rather you didn’t." She glanced at him before continuing, "Somehow, I still can’t shake the feeling that the black market is a dangerous place."

Her concerns hadn’t entirely faded, despite his earlier reassurances.

Kai offered a faint smile and extended one hand towards her, gently taking hers while keeping his eyes on the road.

"Don’t worry. I won’t get myself involved in anything troublesome. Besides, I have more than one reason to be careful these days."

Jean tightened her grip around his hand, a quiet response that conveyed more than words could. The tension in her shoulders gradually eased, and she leaned back against her seat.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at their destination.

The venue was an enormous ballroom housed within a luxury hotel situated on the western outskirts of the city. Even from the entrance, the establishment carried an unmistakable air of exclusivity. The grand architecture, spacious driveway, and staff waiting to receive arriving guests made it clear that this wasn’t an ordinary gathering.

As their car pulled to a stop, an attendant promptly approached and opened the door for them.

Kai stepped out first before moving around to help Jean. Once she was safely outside, he made his way to the rear door to retrieve his daughter.

"Mm..."

Elara’s little brows furrowed the moment she caught sight of the security guard standing nearby. Her reaction was almost instinctive. Before Kai could even reach for her properly, her small arms had already wrapped themselves around his neck, holding on tightly.

Kai faintly smiled before he handed his car keys and while holding Elara in his left hand, he offered his right hand to Jean

Jean drew closer to him with a soft smile and hooked her arm in his.

"Alright then, let’s see what circus awaits us inside."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, please drop a review.