Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 48

**Across Distant Skies Lies Hope Waiting To Be Found by Kade Rowan Flint**

**River**

The atmosphere in the room was thick with an almost palpable silence, a tension that wrapped around everyone like an unwelcome shroud.

On any given day, this place would have been alive with the sound of animated conversations, laughter, and the occasional boast about lucrative business ventures or the perfect family life. It was a constant battle of egos, a competition to see who could shine the brightest. But today, that vibrant energy had vanished, leaving behind a stillness that felt more like a punishment. The guests sat like children caught in the act, their faces betraying a mix of discomfort and apprehension.

Not a single soul dared to break the silence.

What was the point of flaunting your latest business achievements or recent promotions when Apollo was present? Trying to outshine him was akin to a child trying to impress an adult with a simple trick; it only served to highlight the stark difference in their worlds.

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers drumming a casual rhythm against the polished surface of the table, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips.

Family gatherings had never been this fraught with tension before. I hadn’t realized how entertaining it could be to observe the unease, watching as each person squirmed in their seat, too afraid to speak first and risk sounding foolish in front of him.

My gaze roamed the table, lingering on each familiar face, one after another, like a slow-moving film reel.

I found myself staring at one of my uncles, the man who used to be the loudest in the room, always eager to boast about his government contracts or pitch his latest business idea. Now, however, he was staring resolutely at his plate, his voice lost in the oppressive silence.

Beside him, another uncle sat with his jaw clenched tight, his eyes darting between his wine glass and his watch as if willing time to fly. Meanwhile, my aunt wore an expression that suggested she would gladly trade her place at the table for a chance to disappear entirely.

Every one of them seemed to be holding their breath, caught in a web of their own making.

I shifted my attention to Apollo Reed, the man who commanded both fear and respect in this room, yet his presence was rarely discussed openly. His name was often dropped in conversations to impress outsiders, yet behind closed doors, it was treated like a curse that should not be spoken.

He lounged in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, his expression inscrutable, as though he would rather be anywhere else but here.

I studied him intently, curious about the thoughts that lay hidden behind those dark eyes. What did he perceive when he surveyed this room? What were his limits, and what consequences would unfold if someone dared to challenge them?

It seemed he sensed my gaze, as his eyes suddenly locked onto mine, an electric connection that sent a jolt through my chest. My lips curled into a crooked smile, a reflexive response to the intensity of his stare.

Even I had no desire to provoke him.

Apollo raised an eyebrow, a simple gesture that somehow deepened the silence even further. I stifled a chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief. How could a single man exert such control over a room with so little effort?

“Huh? Why is everyone so quiet?” he finally spoke, his voice smooth yet commanding. “You were all chatting just a moment ago. Did something happen?”

One of my uncles, desperate to break the tension, forced a smile and stammered, “A-Apollo, how have you been? It’s been ages since we last saw you.”

Another uncle jumped in, eager to keep the conversation flowing, “Yes… yes, the last time I saw you face-to-face was during your wife’s burial—”

The room collectively gasped, a wave of shock washing over us.

His eyes widened, blinking rapidly as if he were just beginning to comprehend the gravity of his words. His gaze darted to Apollo, a look of horror etched across his face, regret already settling in.

A faint smile crept onto my lips as I observed the unfolding drama.

Apollo remained silent, his expression darkening, a storm brewing behind his calm facade.

The unfortunate uncle swallowed hard, stammering, “W-What I meant was… I—”

Mr. Reed interjected smoothly, turning his attention to me with a disarming smile. “River,” he said, “how’s the new job with your uncle? Is it comfortable? Is your uncle treating you well?”

“Of course,” I replied, my grin widening. “Uncle’s taking good care of me, and it’s a lot of fun. I’m learning so much.”

Mr. Reed nodded, his hands folded neatly in front of him on the table. “That’s good to hear. You should enjoy yourself. Young men like you should socialize, build connections, and date seriously. Settle down and get married before you hit forty.”

At that moment, every head at the table instinctively turned to Apollo. He remained unfazed, a statue amidst a sea of anxious faces.

I tilted my head slightly, a mischievous smile dancing on my lips. “But it seems like Uncle already has a relationship.”

Someone at the far end of the table actually choked on their food, the tension breaking momentarily.

Mr. Reed turned to me sharply, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. “What did you just say?”

I blinked innocently. “Uncle has a woman too.”

Mr. Reed shot up from his seat so abruptly that his chair scraped loudly against the floor. “What???”

He turned to Apollo, incredulous. “You—you have a woman? And you didn’t mention anything?”

Apollo didn’t even bother to lift his gaze. He simply raised his wine glass, took a leisurely sip, and placed it back on the table with deliberate calm.

“River—” my mother began, but I was already striding toward the door.

As I stepped into the hallway, I spotted him almost at the entrance. The crowd parted like the Red Sea for him.

“Uncle,” I called out casually, my voice echoing slightly in the empty space.

He paused and turned, curiosity etched across his face.

I smiled, a playful glint in my eyes. “Before you leave, I have a question for you.”

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Grace,” I said, my tone light. “Is there a particular reason you’re keeping her so close?”

His eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features. “Is there a reason you’re asking?”

“She’s a friend of mine,” I replied, feigning innocence. “We work in the same department. Lately, she seems a bit off. I thought if you don’t need her, maybe you could return her to her original position.”

He scrutinized me, his expression unreadable.

“I’m not holding Miss Grace against her will,” he stated calmly. “She has a choice.”

Then, slipping his hand into his pocket, his voice turned icy. “And besides, I don’t think you have the right to dictate what I do with her. She may be your friend, but she’s my employee.”

Without a second glance, he turned and walked towards his car, sliding inside and shutting the door with a finality that left me standing there, hands shoved deep into my pockets, watching the taillights glow before they disappeared into the night.

A slight tilt of my head accompanied my thoughts.

Was it just me, or did he sound… possessive?

I couldn’t help but smirk.

Well, well.

This just became a lot more intriguing.