Even though Aiden had other things planned for the day, they enjoyed it to the fullest before it came to an unwanted end. All four spent most of the day inside the garden. Although Claire and Aiden did play with Lily, Lucas spent the whole time getting closer to the happy little red head that wouldn't stop smiling and giggling at his silly antics.
Claire on the other hand roamed about the massive garden in awe as she inspected every corner with detail. Aiden of course accompanied her the whole time, which provided him with a deeper understanding of exactly how much of a gardener his Angel actually was. There wasn't a single plant she wouldn't know the name and description of.
'Guess I don't need to ask where the name Lily came from.' Aiden thought to himself as she talked about and described every variation of flowers they saw as they strolled around.
The fun and happy atmosphere helped Claire feel less fatigued. Besides that, the lack of two very specific canines also helped her stay at ease.
In regards to the new addition, both Claire and Aiden agreed on waiting a bit more before letting Lily know about her new little fury gift. The still unnamed hybrid needed to go through a few more tests and situations to be triple sure that his wild nature wouldn't pose a threat to Lily in any way. Hybrids were more inclined to act by instinct after all.
A killer instinct that those who watched over the little flower shared in common with the animal.
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At Flinn Corporation.
"The rest of the things you need to catch up on will be on your desk as soon as you walk in to your new office. I had Anna transfer all the things necessary for you return, but there's a lot you need to get started on. I'll be extremely busy this week, but don't hesitate to ask about anything." Claire said as she gave stack of folders to Jason.
"Don't worry, I won't hold you back. I've been dying to get back to work." Jason said as he stood in front of Claire's desk.
He wore an all black business suit that made his already serious by nature face seem even more fierce. "I'm sorry for asking again, but are you sure Ms. Clemson is okay? In the years I've known her she hasn't used even one of her sick days. Not to mention how her accumulated vacation days can practically give her half a year off work."
"Like I've already told you three times already Jason, she's fine. She's just handling some things that take time so she'll be out for a while. And that's precisely why you'll be taking her place until she comes back" She said as she kept working on her computer without looking up at him.
Jason had always been a catch. Polite, handsome, respectful and not to mention incredibly wealthy thanks to his loyalty to his father's company. It was because of many of his efforts and acquired projects that Flinn Corporation stayed afloat during hard times. And when it came to family, he had often showed his devotion towards them and anything else he felt deeply about. Attributes about his character that made Claire pity him even more.
He had chased after her best friend for years. Regardless of the many times he had been denied. There was not doubt that his attempts were persistent as they were in vane. She knew all too well how nonexistent his chances were with Anna.
"Well alright." Jason stood silently as he looked at her. It wasn't until a full minute passed that Claire finally looked up at him sensing he wanted her full attention before continuing with their conversation.
"I'm guessing that look on your face isn't because you want to keep asking about Anna." She could see as clear as day the hatred in his brown eyes. She had a life time of experiences to help her recognize it with a mere glance. And she was also pretty sure about why it was boiling inside of the man looking back at her.
"Have you found him yet?" Jason practically spit out the question as if it were poison.
"We haven't." Claire answered back with a calm voice, although she knew it wasn't the answer he wanted.
"Why is it taking your people so long? They are the best in the world." His face was as rigid as his tone.
"Although I appreciate the compliment, my team and I are far from being considered the best in the world. We are without a shadow of a doubt good, but good isn't enough to cover all the bases right now."
"I know you have other things at hand Claire. I just can't wait any longer to-"
"Yes you can Jason." Claire spoke calmly, but Jason knew better than to believe her tone wasn't anything less than a warning to stop. "I know you have a personal vendetta with your poor excuse of a brother, but my people are spread out as thin as they can possibly can. Thanks to another piece of human trash my plans were forcefully shifted. And although it might be unrelated, it has certainly affected the ones that involve you as well."
Jason's face turned frustrated before it shifted into an apologetic expression. " I'm sorry. It's just that being back home while aware of the fact that he's still out there makes it hard to think about anything else."
"It's okay. I understand completely." Claire didn't take his little outburst personally since she knew it wasn't really directed towards her. "Keep in mind that you and the rest of your family are being closely protected. Just try to concentrate on the task at hand. I can assure you that once we're done here, we can look deeper into where he is and what he's up to."
"I know I know. And I can't thank you enough for it." Jason said as his earlier pent up frustration dwindled down.
"Well you can start by getting ready for the week ahead and making sure that nobody bothers me for the rest of the day." Claire replied in a somewhat cheeky matter.
"Guess I'll get right to it then." He offered her a smile before heading out. Once he closed the door behind him, Claire took a laptop out of one of her desk drawers and took it with her into her office's bedroom.
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At Villan Enterprise.
"Jacob just admit it. They bested you." Aiden was in his office holding back a chuckle while he signed documents. The frustration on his best friend's face was all too amusing.
"I was NOT bested at anything. I just haven't managed to find the pattern behind the Phoenix Clan's moves. None of the things they're doing make sense." Jacob flipped through the papers he had in his hands as he sat in front of Aiden's desk. "How is this not making you want to kill somebody? It's already been two weeks and we still have nothing."
"Because I have better things to do with my time. That's why I left the getting irritated to you." Aiden said as a matter of fact.
"Well I can assure you I won't be for much longer. Even if it means pulling all nighters until I get the information I want, I will find something by the end of the week. Count my word on it." Jacob's voice was an extremely irritated one, but nonetheless, he was determined.
"Just don't forget to check up on the things I asked you for before you do." Aiden knew the matter on deciphering the Phoenix Clan was now beyond his order. Knowing Jacob like he did, it had now turned into his personal goal.
"Well of course Sir." Jacob replied while emphasizing on the word sir, which he knew would push one of Aiden's many buttons.
As soon as he turned around he took a step to the side to avoid Aiden's pen from striking him on the back of his head. While walking out the door he could hear his life long friend barking at him about his annoyingness.