Chapter 227


    Tarquin was buried in paperwork, the air in the office thick and warm. He had shrugged off his zer,


    now just in a dark shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing muscled forearms and an


    expensive wristwatch.


    Hunched over his desk, his brow was furrowed, back ramrod straight.


    His attractive hands clenched a pen, signing his name with a flourish at the bottom of the document


    before looking up, annoyance evident in his tone. “What’s got your feathers all ruffled now?”


    “Ms. Thome…


    Before Lowell could finish, Tarquin snapped, “Didn’t I make myself clear? Don’t bring her up in my


    presence!”


    “But, Ms. Thome, she…”


    Out!


    ‘Tarquin…”


    “Get out!”


    Tarquin’s fury seemed to shake the very foundations of the room, sending Lowell scampering out in a


    hurry.


    The others crowded around him. “Lowell, any luck? Can we get the day off?”


    Lowell shook his head in defeat. “Back to the grind, folks.”


    Groans filled the room, “For the love of God, is there no one who can save us?”


    Lowell just sighed. Ms. Thome could have been their savior… if only.


    Lowell knew Elysia meant well for Elijah, but without Tarquin’s word, he dared not let the meals be


    delivered to Elijah.


    So, he had to make a call, “Cancel the delivery, no hard feelings. Just return the meal as it was, and


    yeah, the delivery fee’s covered.”


    Soon, the delivery guy was back with the untouched meal.


    Elysia was beyond surprised when she found out, immediately calling Lowell, “Why was the meal


    returned? Why can’t Elijah have it?” Lowell was at a loss for words, stammering, “Elijah’s meals… need


    his father’s approval. And he’s… busy right now.”


    Elysia got the message loud and clear. It was him blocking the meals!


    Fuming, Elysia tried calling him, only to be hung up on.


    And again.


    And then blocked.


    Seething, she called Lowell back, “Please, just get him to answer. It’s urgent, about Elijah.”


    Lowell, knowing better than to linger, ced the phone on Tarquin’s desk with the speaker on, “Ms.


    Thorne for you.” Then dashed off without looking back.


    “Hey! Tarin, you listening?” Elysia’s voice filled the room.


    Tarquin’s frown deepened.


    Elysia was livid as she shouted, “Say something! Don’t y dead! If you’re a man, you’d talk!”


    Tarquin’s expression darkened as he said, “Stay out of my business! Don’t harass me!”


    Before he could hang up, Elysia was already unleashing her fury, “Harassing you? Dream on! If it


    wasn’t for Elijah, do you think I’d bother contacting you? And you dare hang up on me, block me? You


    spineless, selfish jerk!”


    “You…”


    “What about me? I risked my life to bring Elijah food, and you, his father, can’t even care for him


    because of your petty feelings! Are you even a man? A father? You won’t let Elijah have the food I sent


    over. Have you ever thought about it from his perspective? He’s been starving these past few days!


    Even if you despise me, think about Elijah for once! Your actions are just…”


    “What did you say? You sent food for Elijah?”


    Elysia stopped in her tracks, her anger unabated. “Don’t act like you didn’t know! You had it sent back


    to me!”


    Tarquin frowned as he yelled, “Lowell!”


    Lowell, who had been eavesdropping, quickly entered. “Yes?”


    Tarquin red at him and asked, “She sent food for Elijah?”


    “Yeah.”


    ? ????


    And why didn’t you tell me?


    I was trying to, but you wouldnt listen and


    and just kicked me out ”


    Tarquin sighed, exasperated. Couldn’t you have just gotten to the point?–