Chapter 14 Twist of Fate

• In the dim light of the early morning, Athena and Ronnie had barely stirred from their slumber when Thaddeus made an unexpected visit.
• A commanding figure, Thaddeus possessed a tall and imposing stature, clad in a meticulously tailored suit that emphasized his physique, enhancing his aura of nobility and refinement. His features were sharply defined, his thin lips drawn into a tight line, conveying an air of aloofness. Yet, it was his eyes that held a mesmerizing quality, their intensity almost hypnotic.
• Athena found herself momentarily taken aback by his sudden appearance.
• After regaining her composure, Athena inquired in a slightly bewildered manner, "Mr. Sterling, what brings you here so early?"
• Thaddeus seemed to be in jovial spirits, his tone light as he replied, "I'm here to bring you both breakfast."
• With a gesture, he indicated the bag he was holding.
• Athena accepted the bag gratefully and offered, "Do you want to come in and stay for a bit? I'll prepare the food on the table for us."
• Thaddeus nodded in agreement and stepped into the house.
• Just then, Ronnie emerged from his room, still appearing half-awake with sleepy eyes and tousled hair, his disheveled appearance adding to his charm and endearment.
• Spotting his father, Ronnie bypassed the usual pleasantries and turned to Athena with a childlike request, "Pick me up."
• Athena grinned and bent down to hoist him up, effortlessly balancing a plate in her free hand as she made her way toward the dining area.
• Thaddeus, stepping forward to offer his assistance, shot Ronnie a sharp glance and remarked, "Miss Sinclair, there's no need to cater to his whims like this."
• Undeterred, Athena responded calmly, "It's alright. He's an obedient kid, and he's relatively light."
• Ronnie flashed a triumphant smirk at his father and nestled closer to Athena.
• A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she settled him onto her lap and tenderly inquired, "What would you like for breakfast? I'll fetch it for you."
• With a decisive finger pointed, Ronnie declared, "Give me that milk."
• Athena promptly moved and retrieved the requested item.
• From this vantage point, Athena's exquisite profile came into view, a sight to behold.
• Her lips, gently upturned, hinted at a secret amusement, while her eyes sparkled with a captivating allure. A delicate nose graced her features, adding to the charm of her face, while her gaze held a depth akin to clear spring water.
• Athena radiated purity and elegance with flawless poreless skin, her face sprinkled with just a touch of makeup. An ethereal allure flowed from the way her refined yet simple light beige gown moved across the floor. Accentuated by the attire, her graceful figure boasted a slender waist and curves that spoke of femininity and grace.
• Thaddeus found himself entranced, hidden darkness flickering within his dark eyes as if seeking to envelop the girl within their depths.
• Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, Athena inevitably gazed up.
• Their eyes locked, and Thaddeus swiftly regained his usual composure as he inquired, "Is everything alright?"
• "Oh, it's nothing," Athena replied softly, moving her gaze elsewhere with a hint of uncertainty lingering in her mind.
• Was it simply her imagination?
• Seconds before, she had distinctly sensed a searing gaze fixated on her!
• After twenty minutes had passed, Ronnie and Athena finished eating their meals and prepared to leave with Thaddeus.
• Thaddeus escorted Athena to her workplace and just before she disembarked, he interjected, "Before I forget, Miss Sinclair, I wanted to let you know that Ronnie won't be joining us tonight. His grandparents have returned and expressed a desire to spend time with him."
• Athena was momentarily surprised by the news but quickly replied, "Ah, I see. That's perfectly fine."
• With his lower lips pressed forward, Ronnie voiced his displeasure, "But I want to be with Thea."
• Disregarding his protest, Thaddeus turned to Athena and suggested, "If you miss him, you can reach out using the number Ronnie provided."
• "Alright," Athena responded.
• Despite a hint of reluctance, Athena managed a smile as she bid Ronnie farewell with a kiss and continued on to the company.
• Amidst the bustling morning rush, the elevator proved too crowded for Athena's liking, prompting her to take the flight of stairs instead.
• When she finally arrived at her department, she noticed that everyone seemed engrossed in a lively discussion.
• Spotting her, Polly quickly approached and exclaimed, "Thea, there's been major news."
• "What's the big news?" Athena inquired, her curiosity piqued.
• Polly handed her the phone and urged her to take a look, saying, "Look here..."
• Athena peered at the screen and realized it was the company's forum.
• Displayed was a gossip post announcing that Outstanding Creativity was on the verge of being acquired by a major conglomerate.
• Athena was taken aback. "When did this happen?" she exclaimed in surprise.
• Polly informed her, "Just happened this morning. Rumor has it that our company is being acquired by the Dunham Group."
• Athena's expression froze in disbelief. "Which Dunham Group?" she inquired urgently.
• Polly shot her a bewildered look. "Which one do you think? There's only one Dunham Group in Juneau. Are you serious?"
• Athena remained silent, but a subtle tightening of her fists and a glint of sarcasm in her eyes betrayed her inner thoughts.
• How could she not know?
• That name was all too familiar to her that she needed to verify it once more.
• I never imagined, Athena reflected inwardly, that after five years, I would encounter that name in such a manner.
• Their nearby colleague, overhearing the conversation, eagerly joined in the gossip. "Thea, are you really that out of the loop? The young heir of the Dunham family is renowned for his wealth and good looks! With his elegant and dignified demeanor, I'm curious to know the number of hearts he's collected."
• Another colleague chimed in with an affirmal grunt. "He's even ranked ninth on Juneau's Elite List, frequently featured in major financial publications. Haven't you seen him before?"
• "What's the point of seeing him? He's already engaged! And speaking of which, Dunham's fiancée shares the same last name as you, Thea. It's Sinclair. Her name is Amara Sinclair. Could she be your relative?"
• Laughter erupted among the group, but Athena couldn't muster a smile.
• It was a truly unfortunate coincidence—she was indeed related to them.
• This must be what they meant by "it's a small world," she mused.
• Since that issue five years back, Athena had deliberately severed all ties with the Sinclairs, convinced she'd never cross paths with them again.
• Yet, fate had other plans, reuniting them in this unexpected manner.
• Athena couldn't shake off an inexplicable sense of annoyance.
• Polly observed her expression with concern and couldn't help but inquire, "Is everything alright, Thea?"
• "I'm fine," Athena replied tersely, forcing a smile as she set down her bag.
• Determined to regain her composure, she made her way to the pantry, intending to brew herself a cup of coffee to soothe her frazzled nerves.
• Who would have anticipated that upon reaching the threshold of the pantry, Athena would be met by a surprising sight?
• Standing before her were Mrs. Young and the general manager, accompanied by a man and a woman.
• The man was clad in a sleek gray suit, exuding an air of sophistication and charm that effortlessly captured attention, his refined demeanor leaving a lasting impression on those around him.
• Beside him stood a woman adorned in a trendy, form-fitting red dress that accentuated her curves. Elevated by ten-inch high heels, she exuded confidence and allure, her impeccable makeup enhancing her radiant features. Yet, beneath her glamorous exterior, there lingered a hint of arrogance and haughtiness, evident in the arch of her eyebrows and the glint in her eyes.
• At the sight of them, Athena's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat.
• It was none other than Richard Dunham and Amara Sinclair!!!