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That evening both my parents arrived, much to mine and Omar’s surprise He and my father had parted under horrible circumstances initiated by me Oht to finalize transfers and transactions His parting words tohim, which cost my dad untold revenue’s since Omar had been his wealthiest client

It was Omar that should have been upset at my father’s appearance, but he seemed to take it all in stride It was my dad that was the asshole, as was his normal way, and as he went on the offensive, I watched my mother wither in mortification She didn’t knoas in a wheelchair, up on the second floor and listening as they entered the penthouse

“Richard, Melinda, we are so grateful you could co

“Khalid,” my dad replied curtly “Where is Anna? Just so you knoe intend on taking her home to the states—immediately She is obviously not safe here You obviously did not protect her and we don’t trust you to do so in the future”

My mom tried to interfere, “Richard, the man has shown us incredible hospitality”

“Shut up Melinda, letmom up

Omar was still calm and assured and appeared un-rattled by o back to the states, I would of course immediately facilitate her departure She however has indicated she wishes to remain here, with me

My mom spoke up, “Richard, she loves him”

“She’s too young to knohat love is How can she love this piece of shit anyways? She doesn’t knohat is best for her and we have to take her home Now!”

Both e and I felt like slapping hi that way about the od! How dare you talk to hiize now!”

My mother dashed for the stairs as soon as she saw me and my dad pulsed his jaw as he balled his hands into fists O, and neitheras soon as she saw so first e one that covered almost all of my upper ar from the zip ties they’d used to secure me to the chair, and she choked on sobs as her eyes traveled up and down my battered exterior

I whispered, “Mom, I’m okay, it will all heal Just looks really bad”

She nodded and left her free hand at her mouth as she tried to hide her shock and concern I turned back towards the railing and stretched over the banister so my dad could see me, “Dad, noon’t stand for you to talk to ize or I will never talk to you again”

I really thought that would do the trick, but my dad’s jaas set and as much as that made him a pit bull in the business world, I didn’t appreciate his tenacity in this moment He barked up at me, “I will never allow you to ather her stuff, we are heading home this instant” Then he turned back to Oain Is that understood Khalid?”

Omar took a deep breath and I muttered under my breath, “Oh shit”