Using charts and graphs from his pre-prepared monthly data, Aaron began the meeting. Violet, happily nestled in his lap with her pink stuffed rabbit, remained oblivious to the growing tension. Alistair's demeanor, however, grew increasingly glacial, causing some shareholders to rub their arms against the sudden chill.

Even Violet sensed it, squirming and clutching her rabbit tighter. She eventually turned, burying her face in Aaron's chest and gripping his shirt. Aaron's own anger, fueled by his father's intimidation of his daughter, manifested as an icy aura. Soon, everyone in the room was chattering teeth.

"Daddy," Violet whimpered.

Her voice instantly calmed him. The icy chill receded, leaving a more tolerable temperature. Aaron finished the meeting, and everyone except one person quickly departed—the last person he wanted to see.

"Come on, Vi, we're leaving," he said stiffly.

Violet, already off his lap and wearing her backpack, offered him her hand, eager to escape the intimidating room.

"Bringing a child to a board meeting was incredibly unprofessional," Alistair said frostily. "What is this, a playground?"

"What do you want?" Aaron shot back. "I haven't time for you."

"Yet you have time to entertain a toddler."

Aaron's temper flared. "Yes, I do. Unlike you, I'm a decent father who makes time for his children. And Violet hasn't hindered my work."

Alistair narrowed his eyes. "So her name is Violet. Carol was right; she does look like you."

Resentment washed over Aaron. He already disliked Violet's mother; now, her resemblance to his son intensified his prejudice.

Violet hid behind her father's leg, whispering, "I don't like the scary man."

He doesn't like you either, Aaron thought bitterly. One negative word about Violet, and he might strangle Alistair.

"I asked what you want. As you can see, I'm busy," Aaron said harshly.

"Can't I see what my only son has done to my company?" Alistair asked acidly.

Alistair's imposing presence dwarfed Aaron's memory. Violet, unused to such an aura, trembled with fear.

Aaron recalled his own childhood fear of his father. He'd long pretended otherwise, but the truth was, little Aaron had always been terrified. Why else would he have obeyed his parents unconditionally? Even a child could sense that horrifying coldness. He'd strived for perfection, hoping to earn a sliver of warmth. It never came.

He recognized his own resemblance to his father, a horrifying realization that spurred him to become the opposite kind of parent. He devoured childcare books during Keeley's pregnancy with the twins, discussing parenting techniques extensively with Robert.

His efforts, he felt, had been successful. His children loved him; Keeley praised his parenting. He wouldn't throw that away because of his father.

"You've seen it. Stock prices are up; customer numbers and satisfaction have increased; we've expanded to six countries since you left. I've done more for Hale Investments than you ever did," Aaron said coolly. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

"Aaron," Alistair said, his voice so frightening that Violet nearly jumped. "No matter what you've done, I will never acknowledge that woman or her children."

Aaron scooped up his shivering daughter, holding her close. She curled into a ball, burying her face in his neck. His eyes blazed.

"What a coincidence. I don't acknowledge you or your wife either. I have all the family I need."

He held Violet tighter. He no longer craved his parents' approval. Keeley and his children had given him all the love he'd ever wanted. Alistair's opinion meant nothing. He only cared about protecting Violet's feelings.

"Come to next month's meeting, or any after. I don't care. Nothing you do concerns me. But harass my family, and I will destroy you. Good day, Alistair."

Using Alistair's first name severed their connection. Aaron, now CEO, dismissed him. He called security.

"Mr. Alistair Hale needs to leave; the meeting is over, and he has no further business here," he instructed.

"Yes, Mr. Hale," the head of security replied.

Alistair exploded as the door slammed shut. "Aaron Hale, you ungrateful brat, just you wait—"

Aaron didn't hear the rest. It didn't matter. Alistair was powerless. Aaron was the CEO; Alistair was merely a shareholder.

In the elevator, Violet peeked out. "Daddy, the scary man is mean. I don't like him."

"I don't like him either, baby," he sighed.

"Is that why you were scary too?"

She'd noticed. At least she wasn't afraid of him now.

"I'm sorry I scared you. Remember Mommy's lesson on feelings? The scary man made Daddy angry. But I'm okay now because I have my favorite daughter," he said playfully, making her giggle.

"I love you, Daddy! You're not as scary as him. You're nice!"

Aaron kissed her head, relieved she'd moved past the incident. He'd worried she'd see him differently, but he usually kept his professional demeanor separate from his family life.

"I love you too."

The final sentence, "Sёarch* The NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality," is irrelevant and has been omitted.