"Yes, I've decided to go with her," Thomas said firmly. "I need some time to recuperate at her place."
Ava stared at him in disbelief, shaking her head. "Why would you go there? I can take care of you," she protested. The thought of her father staying in a different city, miles away from her, felt unbearable. "If it's about work, I'll manage—I can work from home."
"Ava, listen to me." Thomas smiled gently, reaching out for her hand. Ava instinctively clasped it. "I'm not getting any younger. You need to focus on the company, learn its rhythms, and build relationships with the people there. Working from home won't give you that. And honestly, I just want to take a break, to truly rest. Julia will take good care of me."
He gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "I'll always be here to guide you, even from afar," he reassured her.
Ava's lips parted, ready to object again, but Julia gently placed a hand on her shoulder, silencing her.
