So, that topic was quickly brushed aside.
Since she needed to take Mr. Morris to Cabinda, Camila Davis started making arrangements for the next few days well in advance.
She delegated her workload to colleagues, gave instructions where needed, and made sure everything was covered.
The night before they were set to leave for Cabinda, Camila got a message from Dennis Williams.
He wrote, “I’m back in Cabinda.”
Just those four words, but they made Camila feel strangely at ease.
She typed back, “Everything go alright?”
“Yeah, pretty smooth,” he replied. “This trip took longer than expected, but I should be able to stay put for a while now.”
“Good.”
That brought back memories of her last visit to Cabinda.
After a moment’s thought, she messaged him again: “By the way, I’ll be in Cabinda for the next couple of days, mostly to drop off my mentor. Will you have time to meet up? Is it convenient?”
“Oh, and Lillian’s coming too—figured I’d check in on her.”
Dennis smiled at the message, his expression softening.
“Of course.”
There was no way he’d say no, and he replied almost immediately: “Once you’ve settled your mentor, I’ll take you both out to dinner.”
“Sounds great.”
And just like that, their plans were set.
Scrolling through their chat, Camila felt a wave of calm.
Their flight was early the next morning.
Camila, Mr. Morris, and Lillian all set out together for Cabinda.
The trip went off without a hitch.
When they landed, the research institute had already sent a car to pick them up.
The director first took Camila and Lillian to the hotel to get settled, then took them out for a welcome dinner—steaks, mashed potatoes, and apple pie for dessert.
Only after a hearty meal did they head off to get Mr. Morris set up.
Mr. Morris’s project was highly confidential.
His work environment was strictly secured—think coded entry, security guards, the works.
Even his living quarters had round-the-clock security.
Camila only got in to see the place because she’d put in a special request.
The institute had set Mr. Morris up in a charming old cottage, not unlike his house back in the States.
“Sounds good,” Dennis replied, then sent her the address of a downtown coffee shop.
Camila didn’t waste any time. She took Lillian and headed out.
When they stepped inside, Dennis was already waiting for them in a booth.
The moment Lillian spotted him, her whole face lit up. She dashed across the floor and flung herself into his arms, squealing, “Daddy!”
Dennis’s face broke into a warm smile as he hugged the little girl, ruffling her hair. “Hey, Lillian. Have you been good?”
Lillian nodded eagerly, “Super good! I listened to Mommy, didn’t get into any trouble!”
Then she wrapped her arms around his leg and pouted, “Daddy, I missed you so much! You’ve been so busy. You haven’t come to see me in forever!”
Her small, plaintive voice would melt anyone’s heart.
Dennis scooped her up, “You’re right. I’ve been too busy with work and haven’t spent enough time with you. But I realized my mistake, so I got you a little present. Want to see if you like it?”
He nodded to Aaron, who brought over a box.
When Lillian opened it, her eyes went wide. Inside were a bunch of pink fox plushies and cute little keychains.
“Wow!”
She hugged the toys, her face glowing with joy, and snuggled into Dennis’s arms. “Thank you, Daddy! I love them! I forgive you now!”
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