CHAPTER 6

I waved off the security guards helping Nathan into a waiting car, tired beyond words. Charles eyed me with worry but I waved him off weakly. "I'll be fine. Thank you, for acting when you didn't have to."

Before he could speak, a strong voice called out, "Agatha! Are you alright, my dear?"

I turned to see my father walking towards us, worry written on his noble features. Dread swelled in my guts at the discovery of this disaster. Would he blame me for the scene Nathan caused?

"Father, I-" But he had already noticed Charles at my side.

"Charles! As I live and breathe! It's been far too long, my boy." They hugged warmly.

But Charles simply smiled. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. De Rossi. Your daughter was just showing me what a great host you've been."

I watched in disbelief. My father, fraternizing so familiarly with the man at the center of my mess of an evening? Doubts whirled until Father turned to me, face stern but eyes soft with care.

"Are you hurt? That man always did have a nasty