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And I just now left her alone to handle that.

Ass. Giant ass.

I spun on my heel and hurried back inside.

“It’s fine,” Ellie said, giving a wave as I reached the table. “I’m sure they’ll work out something so I don’t get—I don’t need the money.”

“Are you having a laugh?” I growled. “It’s not twenty dollars he took, Ellie. It’s twenty—”

“Are you just trying to rack up your sins?” she asked, her tone cold as she focused on her plate.

But I saw her hand shaking.

I let out a slow breath and knelt next to her, waiting until she at least cut me a glance. “I’m sorry, my sweet kimchi. I’m a giant, huge, unforgivable ass. I know. I just… It’s hard to see so many always taking advantage of you or asking too much. They alwaysexpect you to clean up their messes or just swallow things down. It’sinfuriatingas the man who loves you.”

Byeol snorted. “Guess she’s not that smart and fabulous if she’s stupid enough to let someone steal twenty thousand dollars from her.”

I went to blast her, but Ellie chuckled darkly.

“Million, actually, child,” Ellie purred. “And I run all of Atlanta basically, the lives of millions on my shoulders every day. Yes, I let my personal life fall to the side too often because I’m in charge of managing crises countries cannot handle on their own. What have you ever done that makes you think you are worthy to judge me?”

“Stop,” Da ordered Byeol, rage in his voice. “Your level of petty is beyond ridiculous, especially when she’s right and you’re a spoiled brat.”

I was glad when my siblings all looked at Byeol with disgust. They might still have issues with me and our family ready to explode most days, but Ellie was amazing. And thevictimof a crime. A massive one.

And she was mocking her and victim-blaming? How horrible.

“Ha-joon’s mate is a master with portfolios,” Ha-yun told her. “I thought he was a clever pup, but—the man has a mind for numbers and the market that is beyond impressive. He should branch out into his own firm he’s that much of a savant.”

“He’s wanted to, but he’s not management material, and the idea of managing an office—he’d get screwed over,” I told her as I took my seat again. I kept my focus on Ellie. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even check if you were okay before I stormed out of here like a nipper throwing a fit.”

She lost her anger and chuckled. “I’m fine. It’s just money.” She chuckled again softly when I flinched. “Oh, you are tooadorable sometimes. If you think this is the first time I’ve lost this kind of money—it’s not and it won’t be the last.”

I sighed as she booped my nose. “Ellie, be serious.”

Ellie gave me a sad smile. “The older you get, the more you expect to get screwed over, Ha-joon. It’s surprising every damn time but no longer shocking.”

“Amen to that,” Da drawled, Mum snorting as well.

“I get that, but it doesn’t always have to be you.”

“No, it would be better if there was more balance, but I can handle this type of being screwed and the president knows that.” She moved her fingers over my lips. “Do you think he only screwed over wealthy people? I’ve known that man for decades. He started in Atlanta. He started by managing the benefits of first responders. Would you rather them get screwed?”

“No,” I growled. “I only want the criminal screwed. That’s what’s fair.”

“Yes, but it’s not life. So I will let Gerald handle this and get us the best deal possible and not give the criminal the best deal either. Him riding off into the sunset with his full stolen booty is ridiculous. We have other ways to make people talk and I know many of his skeletons as well.”

“You are truly at the top of my list of people never to piss off, Dr. Reed,” Ha-yun said with a dark chuckle. “You do not pick the fight, but you will make sure to always,alwaysfinish it.”

Ellie glanced at her and winked. “I knew you were a smart one, love.” She gave me a kiss and pushed my legs so they went under the table and I faced properly instead of towards her.

She really was too much.

“Do you at least get to ride around in Air Force One if you keep doing the president so many damn favors?” I grumbled after a moment. My family laughed… But Ellie laughed harder. Likerollinglaughing which confused me.

“Even I get the joke, baby brother,” one of my brothers chuckled. “She has a plane that is much nicer than Air Force One. That’s why it’s funny that you want her to downgrade for a favor.”

Ellie was still laughing when she tapped her nose and pointed at my brother.