Chapter 388 - Jeffs father-in-law (1/2)

Friday evening, JoAnna and Jeff arrived at Hill family villa.

Jeff was nervously fidgeting in JoAnna's room.

”Don't worry, it will all be OK.” JoAnna tried to calm him down.

”I would feel more at ease if others are here.” Jeff admitted. ”Why are they coming tomorrow?”

”As I said few times already, Sophia and Felix live in Seattle. There is no need for them to come for a sleepover. And Sarah and Aiden are still training with mom. They are also in the area and will come in the morning. Relax... it's only one dinner with my dad, and for breakfast we will have more people around.” JoAnna giggled when she saw haw anxious Jeff is. ”Don't tell me that almighty Jeffrey White is intimidated by my father?”

”I would not say intimidated. But I would like to leave a good impression.” Jeff felt slightly embarrassed that JoAnna sees him like that.

JoAnna coaxed him. ”You met him before. He has an impression.”

”From business point of view, yes. But not as a family.”

JoAnna smiled. ”You made him millions of dollars during our last adventure. Remember? He loves you already. Besides, he only wants to know that you will take good care of me.”

”I hope that it will be that simple.” Jeff had a feeling that it would be easier if others are here. With just three of them having dinner, Edward will be able to focus fully on him. Jeff was never in a position of being scrutinized, so he is unbearably uncomfortable.

…

Dinner went better than Jeff thought it will go. He and Edward chatted about work and some projects. Edward was happy to hear that Jeff praised Sarah about Security upgrades she did at White corp.

JoAnna was mostly listening, happy that Jeff and Edward are talking. She wished that they are more casual, but that will come in time. She was confident of that.

At some point during dinner, JoAnna mentioned that they are looking for a house in Los Angeles. Edward was not happy to know that JoAnna will permanently move away from Seattle. Living in LA now is a temporary situation, but if she buys a house, then it becomes permanent. It will be difficult to see her often. Difficult, but not impossible.

Dinner ended and they were ready to go to their rooms. Just as Jeff thought that he sailed smoothly through his interaction with Edward, he heard Edward say, ”Anna, dear, would you mind if I talk with Jeffrey in private?”

”No problems from my side.” She planted a kiss on Jeff's cheek, gave him an encouraging nod and went to her room.

Edward looked at Jeff with icy expression. ”I would appreciate if you join me in my study. It's more private.”

Jeff closed the door behind him and saw Edward gesturing to one of the chairs opposite from his office desk. ”Eve, cut surveillance in this room.”

”Master prevents me from cutting surveillance in the house.” Eve's voice filled up the room.

”Eve, if you don't obey, I will cut power supply in the whole house.” Edward's voice was stern. ”Confirm compliance.”

”I will need to inform master of this anomaly.” Eve said in an even voice. If she was not a creation of lines of code, she would be frustrated.

”Fine by me.” Edward snapped.

”Confirming, surveillance in this room will stop in three seconds.” Eve complied.

Jeff completely forgot that this house is under Eve's watch. And he was surprised that his future father-in-law got him in private and cut surveillance. As he took a seat in the chair his concerns were rising. 'What exactly does he want to do to me? This does not look good.' Jeff was grateful that after so many years in business he mastered his icy expression which does not reveal any emotions.

Edward looked at Jeff who had an unreadable expression and explained. ”I want us to have a chat in private, without disruptions.”

Jeff didn't respond, he looked at Edward, waiting for him to initiate conversation. Since he does not know what Edward has in mind, Jeff is aware that if he starts talking first, he might make a mistake. This didn't look like a friendly chat. Jeff felt oppressed when facing Edward.

Edward scrutinized Jeff for some time before speaking. ”Dating is one thing. But now that you are engaged, I want us to clarify few things. I prefer to watch my daughters as they make their own choices in life, it helps them grow into strong women. They also learn from their mistakes. You reached a point with Anna where, as a father, I can't only watch from the side. I need to know that you will take a good care of my angel.”

Jeff nodded in understanding. ”Mr. Hill, my intentions are sincere. I will take care of Anna, and make sure she does not lack anything. You know that I'm more than capable to provide for her.”