Page 149 of Lucas

“Did you sign divorce papers?”

“Um...no.”

“Then you’re part of the family. May I come in, please?”

I’m quiet for a moment before moving from the doorway. “Okay. Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you.” He strides into the living room and examines the photos on the walls.

I cringe as if I’m under a magnifying glass and let out a relieved sigh when he sits. I take the chair facing him and cross my legs.

“First, I need to apologize. I made a mistake, and believe me, it costs me in blood and tears to admit to my mistakes,” he says with a self-deprecating chuckle, “but I shouldn’t have treated you the way I did. I’m ashamed of myself. You are a Valeur and every member of our family will always be welcome in my home. I’m sorry I made you feel like you weren’t.”

“Why are you saying this now?” My voice trembles.

“As I said, Lucas and I had a difficult conversation, but one thing was clear to me. He loves you very much, and if there’s one thing I believe in in this life, it’s love. His mother and I had a love bigger than life. She was my life and gave it meaning. When she died, a part of me died with her. Still, I’ll never regret the part she had in my life while she was with me. I want that for my children, and I want you to be the one there for Lucas.”

I bite my lip. “But I’m Michael Gant’s daughter.”

“I’m aware. Believe me, I’m aware.” He gives a fake laugh. “That’s all I could think about at first. That my son ismarrying the enemy.” He looks at me. “And no revenge is worth marrying the enemy. I wanted him to find a cute girl and date her a bit before the wedding, to fall in love and get married. But it’s my fault he rushed into the deal he did with you. It’s because I pressured him.”

I nod, remembering he told me he needed to get married to get the CEO position.

“My intentions were good. The board was worried about his wild behavior, and I wanted him to find love like I did. Getting married sounded like the solution to both problems. In hindsight, I think I succeeded too.” He tilts his head. “Right, Ava?”

I lick my lips.

“You still love him, don’t you?” Peter asks. “If you still love him, the rest can be resolved.”

I still love him, but the betrayal is still there, still hurting me.

I nod, and Peter’s shoulders visibly relax.

“I know now you weren’t involved in your father’s fraud. Lucas told me. It took me a while, but I understand I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have judged you based on your father’s sins, and I’m asking you not to judge Lucas because of my mistakes.”

“It wasn’t your mistake. He planned it all himself.”

“No.” Peter straightens and appears agitated. “No. He wouldn’t have done any of it if I hadn’t pressured him. If he hadn’t grown up thinking that’s what I wanted from him. And just like I put your father’s sins on you, I put mine on him, and for that, I’m sorry. I beg you to forgive him. He loves you so much, and I don’t want to see him fall because of my mistake. I see how strong you are, how well you suit him. Heneeds someone like you, a brave and strong woman who will tell him what she thinks and challenge him. I want you to be part of our family, Ava. I want you to be my daughter.”

Tears well up in my eyes, and I swallow and blink. I rest my palms on my knees so he won’t see how much I’m shaking.

Dad always painted him as a monster. Our biggest enemy. And he’s just accepting me?

“Are you okay, Ava?” His voice softens. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t upset me. The opposite.” I shake my head. “You’ve probably heard my father cut me off.”

“No. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“As far as he’s concerned, there’s no forgiveness for switching sides.” A single tear rolls down my cheek. “I have no family left. I never really had one to begin with.”

“We would be happy to be your family.” He smiles at me. “If you’ll have us.”

I stand and wipe my tears. “I appreciate the offer and everything you’ve said. It means a lot to me. But first, I have some things to work out with your son.”

He smiles and stands too. “Well, thank you for agreeing to talk to me. I know you’ll work everything out because you’re both coming from a place of love.”

And then he’s pulling me into a hug, warm and strong and filled with promise.