Back at Summit Crest Estates.


    Pudding was there, too.


    The moment the front door opened, the golden retriever came bounding out, barking excitedly, tail wagging like crazy as he circled Isadora again and again.


    A housekeeper came by each day to feed him and take him out for walks, but it wasn''t the same as having his people home.


    Isadora had been run raggedtely-her days filled with learning the ropes at The Vaughan Group, her nights spent at Vaughan Manor, keeping Eleanorpany.


    Seeing Pudding now, a wave of guilt washed over her.


    She crouched down and ran her hands through his soft, snowy fur, pressing her forehead gently against his.


    "I''m sorry, Pudding. I''ve been so busy these days, I haven''t given you nearly enough attention."


    Victor was leaning against the kitchen counter, a ss of water in hand, watching the scene with his dark eyes. He let out a low, ambiguous hum.


    "Funny. I don''t hear you apologizing to me."


    Isadora looked up at him, genuinely puzzled. "Why would I apologize to you?"


    Victor''s voice waszy, teasing. "I was out of town for work, and you barely spared me a thought, either."


    Isadora felt a twinge of guilt. She avoided his eyes, focusing on Pudding as she smoothed the dog''s ears, muttering, "Pudding, do you think your dad''s being petty?"


    Woof, woof, woof!


    Pudding barked loudly, as if in agreement. Not only petty, but jealous too—and always picking on me.


    Isadora smiled, lifting her chin in mock defiance, emboldened by her furry ally. "See? Even Pudding agrees with me."


    Victor arched an eyebrow at her little show of bravado and gave a soft, almost amused snort.


    Isadora ignored him and stood, heading toward her bedroom to change into something morefortable.


    Pudding perked up immediately, trotting along behind her, tail wagging as he followed her down the hall.


    Victor nced after them, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes as he set down his ss and sauntered after them with his usual cool confidence.


    As Pudding was about to scamper into the bedroom after Isadora, Victor took a long step and blocked the doorway with one leg.


    He clicked his tongue. "Not so fast, buddy. You''re staying out here."


    Woof! Pudding bristled, barking indignantly. "But I want to go in too!"


    Victor stood his ground, unbothered. "Sorry, but she''s only for me to see."


    "She''s my mom!" Pudding barked, jumping up in protest, paws scrabbling at Victor''s trousers.


    Victor didn''t look the least bit embarrassed. "And I''m your dad, so you have to listen to me."


    Inside, Isadora had just slipped off her shawl, the delicate straps of her camisole resting on her pale shoulders, the fitted ck dress entuating every curve.


    She nced toward the door to see Victor and Pudding locked in a very serious standoff, and couldn''t help butugh.


    She walked over, hand on the doorknob, and smiled. "Honestly, I think both of you should stay outside."


    With that, she prepared to close the bedroom door.


    In the very next instant, Victor slipped inside in two quick strides.


    He scooped Isadora up around the waist, lifting her off the floor and pinning her gently against the door.


    There was a soft click as the bedroom door swung shut behind them.


    Victor narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping to a low, teasing murmur. "Getting bold, hmm? Trying to lock me out?"


    Left outside, Pudding stared at the closed bedroom door, barking in confusion. Here we go again.


    Every time that door shuts, they forget all about me, he thought. Then I''m stuck out here all night.


    And, as if that weren''t bad enough, I have to listen to all those syrupy sweet moans and muffled noisesing from inside.


    With a long, dramatic sigh, Pudding plopped down in front of the door and began licking his paw, resigned to his fate.