Is this destiny?

Friday evening, JoAnna and Jeff arrived at Hill family villa.

Jeff was nervously fidgeting in JoAnna's room.

"Don't worry, it will all be OK." JoAnna tried to calm him down.

"I would feel more at ease if others are here." Jeff admitted. "Why are they coming tomorrow?"

"As I said few times already, Sophia and Felix live in Seattle. There is no need for them to come for a sleepover. And Sarah and Aiden are still training with mom. They are also in the area and will come in the morning. Relax... it's only one dinner with my dad, and for breakfast we will have more people around." JoAnna giggled when she saw how anxious Jeff is. "Don't tell me that almighty Jeffrey White is intimidated by my father?"

"I would not say intimidated. But I would like to leave a good impression." Jeff felt slightly embarrassed that JoAnna sees him like that.

JoAnna coaxed him. "You met him before. He has an impression."

"From business point of view, yes. But not as a family."

JoAnna smiled. "You made him millions of dollars during our last adventure. Remember? He loves you already. Besides, he only wants to know that you will take good care of me."

"I hope that it will be that simple." Jeff had a feeling that it would be easier if others are here. With just three of them having dinner, Edward will be able to focus fully on him. Jeff was never in a position of being scrutinized, so he is unbearably uncomfortable.

…

Dinner went better than Jeff thought it will go. He and Edward chatted about work and some projects. Edward was happy to hear that Jeff praised Sarah about Security upgrades she did at White corp.

JoAnna was mostly listening, happy that Jeff and Edward are talking. She wished that they are more casual, but that will come in time. She was confident of that.

At some point during dinner, JoAnna mentioned that they are looking for a house in Los Angeles. Edward was not happy to know that JoAnna will permanently move away from Seattle. Living in LA now is a temporary situation, but if she buys a house, then it becomes permanent. It will be difficult to see her often. Difficult, but not impossible.

Dinner ended and they were ready to go to their rooms. Just as Jeff thought that he sailed smoothly through his interaction with Edward, he heard Edward say, "Anna, dear, would you mind if I talk with Jeffrey in private?"

"No problems from my side." She planted a kiss on Jeff's cheek, gave him an encouraging nod and went to her room.

Edward looked at Jeff with icy expression. "I would appreciate if you join me in my study. It's more private."

Jeff closed the door behind him and saw Edward gesturing to one of the chairs opposite from his office desk. "Eve, cut surveillance in this room."

"Master prevents me from cutting surveillance in the house." Eve's voice filled up the room.

"Eve, if you don't obey, I will cut power supply in the whole house." Edward's voice was stern. "Confirm compliance."

"I will need to inform master of this anomaly." Eve said in an even voice. If she was not a creation of lines of code, she would be frustrated.

"Fine by me." Edward snapped.

"Confirming, surveillance in this room will stop in three seconds." Eve complied.

Jeff completely forgot that this house is under Eve's watch. And he was surprised that his future father-in-law got him in private and cut surveillance. As he took a seat in the chair his concerns were rising. 'What exactly does he want to do to me? This does not look good.' Jeff was grateful that after so many years in business he mastered his icy expression which does not reveal any emotions.

Edward looked at Jeff who had an unreadable expression and explained. "I want us to have a chat in private, without disruptions."

Jeff didn't respond, he looked at Edward, waiting for him to initiate conversation. Since he does not know what Edward has in mind, Jeff is aware that if he starts talking first, he might make a mistake. This didn't look like a friendly chat. Jeff felt oppressed when facing Edward.

Edward scrutinized Jeff for some time before speaking. "Dating is one thing. But now that you are engaged, I want us to clarify few things. I prefer to watch my daughters as they make their own choices in life, it helps them grow into strong women. They also learn from their mistakes. You reached a point with Anna where, as a father, I can't only watch from the side. I need to know that you will take a good care of my angel."

Jeff nodded in understanding. "Mr. Hill, my intentions are sincere. I will take care of Anna, and make sure she does not lack anything. You know that I'm more than capable to provide for her."

Edward sharply exhaled through his nose, and small smirk showed on his face. "Yes, I know you have money. But that is not enough to make Anna happy."

Jeff was not sure what Edward has in mind. "Can you explain the meaning behind your words?"

"Anna has her goals and dreams. I want to hear from you that will support her achieve those, or at least not stand in her way."

"Of course, I support her!" Jeff's response was immediate and without a shred of doubt.

Edward's eyebrows raised for a second. "Really? Anna always wanted to be a famous surgeon. To save lives. I have information that you are trying to get her into White corp. as a medical researcher. I can't help but wonder, is that what she wants, or what you want?"

Jeff got defensive. "She didn't accept. And I'm not forcing her."

"But she is considering it. And how can you say that you are not forcing her? There are many ways to make a person obey you, it does not need to be physical. You are not known as a person who does not get what he wants." Edward observed Jeff and finally he was able to see traces of emotions. Jeff was unsettled. "I know that person's goals might change for various reasons. There is a chance that Anna changes what she wants to do with her life, and if that change is her decision, I will support her. But if I find out that you are influencing her into something just so that things go your way, don't blame me for being impolite."

…

When Jeff returned to JoAnna's room, JoAnna saw that he is troubled. "What did you talk about with my dad? You did only talk, right?" Her concern was evident.

Jeff showed a faint smile. "Yes. Just talk. Don't worry... Is it OK if I go ahead and shower?" Jeff walked to the bathroom without waiting for a response.

When he closed door behind him, JoAnna called, "Eve, give me recording from the study room of my dad and Jeff talking."

"No such recording exists.", Eve responded.

JoAnna was confused. "How come?"

"Your father cut off recordings in study during their meeting."

JoAnna frowned. 'This sounds serious.' She waited for Jeff to get out of the bathroom, it was obvious that he wanted some time to think by himself, so she let him have it. She was doing her best not to imagine all kinds of things that he and Edward talked about. 'It was less than half an hour. How bad could it be?'

Jeff came out of the bathroom and went to bed without a word.

JoAnna sat on the bed next to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Is everything OK?" She leaned trying to see his face.

He extended his arm and in one smooth move pulled her next to him. "Anna, if I'm forcing you into something, let me know, OK?" He held her tightly in his embrace.

"OK" She agreed without understanding what is going on.

After some silence, he spoke again. "I'm used to do what I want, when I want, how I want. I'm not good at listening, and I don't know how to compromise. But I want to do my best, for you... for us. And if my best is not good enough, let me know. I will work harder and improve."

JoAnna realized that all that sprouted from his conversation with Edward. She turned to face Jeff. "You are doing great. I am happy to be with you. You make me happy. And you should be proud of yourself. You are a great listener... and we are both compromising. That is what relationships are all about." JoAnna was happy to see that he smiled. She hugged him and took a deep breath, inhaling his after-shower scent. "Mmm... you smell like... me."

Jeff gave a small nod, confirming what she said. "I forgot my shower gel."

JoAnna laughed.

"Tell me, how did your talk with my dad go?"

Jeff hesitated while choosing his words. "Let's say that he is more intimidating than what I thought."

"Oh? Then I will talk with him if you ever bully me." JoAnna teased.

"I will never bully you." He hugged her tightly.

"I know.." She hugged him back with all her might.