Eleanor chose that moment to fall backward onto her bottom. Looked surprised. Then laughed.
Richard chuckled. Actually chuckled.
Aria stared at him.
"What?" he asked.
"You laughed. At a baby falling down."
"She's fine. Resilient. Like her mother."
Something warm bloomed in Aria's chest. Richard didn't give compliments lightly.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
He nodded. Rose carefully from the chair. "I should let you get ready for your meetings. But Aria..."
"Yes?"
"You've done well. Better than I could have hoped when you first arrived here." His eyes held hers. "I'm proud of you. Both of you."
He left before she could respond.
Aria sat on the floor with Eleanor, blinking back unexpected tears.
A year and a half ago, Richard Blackwood had been a name in a file. A target in her plan.
Now he was her daughter's great-grandfather. Her mentor. Her family.
Everything had changed.
Everything.
****
The Foundation board meeting ran long.
