Unloved Unwanted Unstoppable (Seraphina and Dominic) novel Chapter 72

Dominic glanced in his daughter's direction, a slight frown creasing his brow.

"Lily," he called out.

Lily turned around, her little face crumpling with misery. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something.

But Dominic had already looked away, turning his back to head toward the dining room.

Cynthia clung to his arm, walking right beside him.

Lily stood frozen, watching her father and Cynthia walk further and further away. Her bottom lip quivered, and the tears in her eyes finally spilled over.

She wiped her face, cast one last longing look at the comic book, and stomped her foot before her little legs scrambled to catch up to them.

But they were walking too fast. It took her forever to close the distance.

She reached out, trying to grab the edge of her father's jacket.

But Dominic turned the corner just at that moment, the fabric slipping right through her tiny fingers.

Lily clenched her jaw, trudging behind the two adults step by step until they exited the culture club.

Meanwhile, Seraphina followed Victor Vane and Julian Shaw into a private room.

The space was intimate, decorated with elegant, quiet luxury.

Seraphina offered Victor the seat of honor before taking the spot directly across from him.

She rolled up her sleeves, picked up the teapot, and warmed the cups with hot water in practiced, fluid motions. She measured out the tea leaves, letting them steep with effortless grace.

Victor watched her with a fond, approving gaze.

Seraphina offered the first cup to her professor with both hands before pouring one for herself and setting it aside.

She pulled a tablet from her bag, opening the research paper she had spent so long preparing, and handed it over.

"Professor, these are some notes and findings I've written over the past few years. Please take a look."

Seraphina nodded again.

Julian took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a complex mix of respect and disbelief.

"With this level of skill, joining our research team is a no-brainer," he said, his voice laced with genuine admiration. "Actually, no. We would be incredibly lucky to have you."

A small smile touched Seraphina's lips.

She turned her attention back to Victor. "Professor, I want to join your project."

Victor looked at her, his eyes warm but tinged with a faint, lingering worry.

"I want you on the team, of course. But there is something I have to ask you first."

Seraphina sat up straighter. "Go ahead."

"You know what research entails," Victor said deliberately. "Once you step into the lab, you practically live there. Other people work nine to five; we work five to nine. During crunch times, pulling all-nighters is just part of the job. Your family, your child, your husband... can you balance all of that?"