Chapter 190

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Maisie had already agreed , so neither Arianor Cloe could say als
Authry
hound a quiet moment , Daven leaned over and asked , “ What does Maisie W
of the
Aria replied , “ Gold in her favorite , followed by dolls . She loves making clothes for them . But she has so many dolls , she can’t take care of you want to get her a gift , gold is your best bet . ”
“ Thanks . ” He hesitated , then asked , “ What about you ? W
about you ? What do you ilike ?
“ You’re asking me ? ” Aria looked up , suprised to see Owen watching her
He smiled . “ Your birthday’s coming up soon . As your friend and neighbor , it’s only right get you something ”
She wasn’t surprised he knew her birthday he’d handled her divorce have to be so formal ”
When they reached the car , Aria unlocked it and said , “ Owen , you don’t
He opened the back door and let Clog and Maisie in , then glanced back at Ania with a small grin . “ But you’ve got to
to have some sense of occasion . ”
Aria didn’t push the issue . “ Then get whatever you want . I’m not picky ”
Just then , Emma and James walked over .
Emma said , “ Owen , the driver had to leave , so your father and I will take your car . Aris , you all live in the same building so after Maisie’s birthday , could you give him a ride back ?
wasn’t an unreasonable request , so Aria agreed .
Before getting in, Emma shot Owen a “ go get her look , but he was too busy thinking about what gift to get Aria to notice
Aria drove , Owen took the passenger seat .
He turned to the back , smiling in the mirror , “ Maisie , do you remember your home address? ”
“ Of course ! ” Maisie rattled off the address , then pulled out her smartwatch . “ What’s your number ? Il save it .”
Owen gave her his number , and within seconds an unfamiliar call came through , Maisie said , “ Remember to save Maisie’s number . ”
“ Will do , ” Owen promised .
Maisie was grinning ear to ear in the rearview mirror – utterly adorable .
Owen’s eyes softened ; he couldn’t help thinking that if Kim had raised Maisie , she wouldn’t be the cheerful , sweet child she was now
No one loved her more than Cloe did . She was much better off with her mom than she’d ever be with Kim .
Owen quietly sent a message on his phone .
Cloe’s place was close to Amour Bistro , so they arrived in twenty minutes .
Owen lagged behind , and just as they got to the building , the out – of – breath restaurant manager rushed what you asked for . ”
“ Thank you ” Owen said , giving his signature , polite smile before stepping into the elevator
anding him a big bag . “ Mr. Shaw , here’s
Inside , Maisie immediately noticed the bag in his hand . “ Whoa , are you a magician ? I didn’t see you holding anything before ”
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Owen’s smile was gentle , “ it’s your birthday today fuckily , I made it in time . “
Maisie’s eyes lit up with anticipation . After cake , she couldn’t wait to open her present .
Inside were a longevity locket , golden cicada , golden gourd , golden butterfly
Over twenty little treasures . She loved every single one
But her absolute favorite was still the big gold bar and gold phoenix Aria had given her .
A knock came at the door . Emma , James , and even Kim came by , all with presents for Maisin .
Beaming , Maisie said , “ Help me carry these ! I want to show you my special room for gifts
“ Of course , ” Owen agreed
Cloe watched her busy little girl and finally felt her worries melt away .
Maisie was surrounded by love – she should be happy .
twas clear now that the Shaw family wasn’t going to fight her for her child .
After showing off her collection , Maisie suddenly asked , “ Do you like Aria ! ”
Owen replied , “ I do ”
Maisie’s eyes sparkled . “ Then can you be her husband ? ”
Owen patted her head . “ No , Maide . Like Aria as a friend ”
Maisie frowned . “ Is that different ! ”
Owen chuckled , “ You’ll understand when you’re older . ”
“ Oh . Okay ”
Daven couldn’t help but laugh . “ Are you trying to find Aria a husband ? ”
Maisie nodded garnestly . “ Mom says if you want to spend your whole life with someone , it has to be your husband . I have Mommy Mommy has me Vanessa has her assistant … But Aria’s all alone ”
Liam didn’t count – he’d never even mally been with Aria , and never gave her gifts . Maisie didn’t like him at all .
Owen was genuinely touched that a five – year – old could worry about adult relationships
He said gently , “ Don’t worry , Aria’s wonderful . I’m sure she’ll find someone perfect for her . ”
Though , honestly , someone good enough for Aria would be tough to find
On the way back , Owen offered to drive , and Aria didn’t argue .
Aria’s phone buzzed , Patrick had sent a document .
Patrick : Info on thirteen people – they probably snuck back into Huthalia . The ringleader let me and Rhetto , we’re on our way back
The ringleader was Hudson Dodson , a boxer turned mercenary who’d stolen something and vanished ,
There was a 25 million dollar bounty on his head
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He was skilled , nearly impossible to track , and now let
Taking him down would be no small feat .
Hudson was linked to the Solemnity Guild , so he’d certainly know who Aria was
She was sure Hudson didn’t really believe Rhett and Patrick had scammed her out of 100 miton dollar .
He must know she was baiting him .
But with all that money , how could he iesit ?
The more often she appeared , the more likely she’d get discovered , especially as Hudson’s followers kept dwindling .
Once this last score was pulled off , they’d disappear . That was the risk – he’d definitely take the bait
One of his hackers was tracking Patrick , who’d never shown his full hand and always let himself seem a bit less skilled
While captive , he’d secretly hacked into the system and recorded everyone’s details .
Vanessa had already tracked down Hudson’s identity , but nothing on the rest .
Bounty hunters never hurt Huthailians , it was an unspoken rule .
Break it , and the bounty just got bigger , with the local police never letting up
No one wanted that trouble .
Aria was confident Patrick and Rhett wouldn’t be hurt , but they’d taken a huge risk – If caught , they’d be dead for sure .
Those two idiots had almost gotten themselves killed .
She closed the chat , just as Fryderyk called
“ Aria , I’ve confirmed they snuck back to Huthallia . Come by the station
“ Got it . ”
Her phone was loud enough for Owen to hear , and he immediately took a turn toward the police station .
“ You’re coming too , Owen ? ” Aria asked .
“ Yeah . Allen will probably call me any second now . ”
He’d already guessed why Fryderyk wanted Aria – those people were targeting her
Just then , his phone rang
Owe
me ? ”
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