The Traps of Black Swan

At eight, in the Rivas mansion,

As soon as Sophia delivered the message to Megan that Zelda had decided to return, the first thing she did was rush up to Jordan who was reading a newspaper in the leisure room.

Jordan heard her footsteps and moved his paper away. He should be stopping her but he was amused seeing her delighted. Elder Harmon was curious too and noticed Megan composing quickly after noticing his presence.

Megan scolded herself in her mind thinking how could she forget they had a guest at home. She flashed a polite smile at Elder Harmon as she pleaded to Jordan to go with her, without wording it.

Jordan knew Megan wouldn't react in such a way if there was nothing important so he folded the papers, excusing himself, "Excuse us a minute, Chairman Harmon."

Then he went to Megan who hooked her arms and took him into the nearest room which was the library. "Dad, Mom is coming." She blurted out in excitement before shaking her head, "I mean Mom has decided to come. It might take a week to appoint somebody for the farm and a new housekeeper for the house…" She shook Jordan's hand who was still in shock, "Dad… Mom is coming back home." She chuckled seeing Jordan frozen without being able to believe his ears.

Jordan had waited to hear this for so many years. Hearing Megan repeat it, he knew his ears weren't ringing but it was so hard to believe.

Zelda had objected to his visit all these years while the rest could go to see her whenever they liked. She had come to the city when Ariel met with an accident however they had no time to meet and greet. So he was going to see her after another three years. There was anticipation, eagerness, and a hint of agitation on how she might treat him after so many years.

Will they have drastic changes? It was obvious as they lived far from each other without a word.

Will she criticize me in everything? He was ready to accept each of disapproval.

Will she forgive…

Jordan faintly jerked when Megan shook her hand and chuckled at him. He least wanted to look like a young husband eagerly waiting for his wife. So he coughed to silence her, she did but suppressed her chuckles making her face go red.

"I know you are happy, do you have to hide from me, Dad? Come on, I deserve a smile, for delivering the news. Just one, Dad. Am I asking a lot? Dad..." Even though she sounded like requesting, Jordan knew she was teasing him.

"Let her come." He grunted as though it didn't matter to him. He turned around and walked towards the door accurately knowing Megan would tell each reaction to Zelda as soon as the latter returned.

Megan pursed her lips and teased again, "Are you smiling now, Dad?"

Well, Jordan indeed smiled, the crow's feet on his wrinkled face was so deep that it spoke of his happiness. Hearing Megan put on a cold face and shoot her glance.

Megan held her laughter till Jordan left and burst out. She started calling Connor, Karsen, and also Shawn to let them know Zelda was coming. She had dialed Aarvi and Aaron's number but the call wasn't answered.

…

In the leisure room, Elder Harmon could feel the air around Jordan was lighter and happier. His movements were so fluid and effortless that Jordan looked ten years younger. Hence Elder Harmon couldn't help but comment, "Anything special? Elder Rivas, you are glowing."

Jordan's expression went blank hearing him but his eyes were lying. He couldn't believe it was so obvious. He thought it might be the experienced eyes of Elder Harmon.

Jordan didn't feel the necessity to hide as Elder Harmon would be staying for a little longer until Aarvi made sure Leon couldn't reach any of the Harmons. "My wife is coming home," he said plainly while only he knew the joy of saying it out loud.

Elder Harmon was shocked before he understood Jordan's wife wasn't dead but alive and staying somewhere. Respecting his privacy, he didn't ask anything more. "So many celebrations to join here."

Jordan recalled what they were all and nodded in content. He felt like Aarvi came with lots of happiness to the family.

Both returned to the things they were reading when Elder Harmon gasped recalling Leon. "Elder Rivas, is there a way to make sure Leon doesn't know about your wife? I don't want him to trouble you all more." He genuinely sounded worried and concerned about the Rivas family.

Jordan leaned on the chair. He was thinking about going and picking up Zelda. Now that he thinks, he felt the need to speak with Aaron first before planning anything. "Please be worry-free while you are here. My grandsons are…" He paused, not just Shawn and Aaron, he knew Aarvi had her strength to protect so he corrected himself, "My grandchildren will handle everything seamlessly."

Elder Harmon breathed in relief. He had seen Aaron, he knew the confidence and daring Aarvi, first meeting with Shawn was enough to say how protective he was for the family. Elder Harmon thought he was worrying unnecessarily and troubling Jordan more.

Well, his worry was right but thought of the wrong person to protect.

----

At Harmon mansion,

Leon was sleepless for nights. The image of Aarvi slitting his throat never failed to appear in his dream, making it a nightmare.

Upon all that, he failed to find who was manipulating the market and keeping the steady rise of the Harmon market. He was drawing in the worst news of his, ultimately destroying his ideal man image. Netizens who used to praise him, follow him, admire him, and wish to have him were thrashing him savagely. The PR was an utter failure.

His attacks were so bloody successful yet, Aarvi's simple but mind-blowing moves were ruining him so bloody well. He could see how well she prepared for an attack, catching every smallest loophole he created. He didn't know he was taking his grandfather to the party so he knew she planned everything at a snap of her fingers.

At least he realized she won't get scared so easily. She would attack him mercilessly. So he was racking his brain to attack her in a way she should worry and start fearing. Despite guessing he was doing it, she should be helpless having no proof.

There was also another thing he should be extremely careful about Jaxon Evans and Evans family. He couldn't believe Aaron had such connections and used it so well that people will have to be afraid of her.

He wanted to spread the word as Aarvi Evans is the Evans from country S so that it could call troubles on Aarvi and the Rivas family. However, he had no concrete proof.

After carefully thinking out, he came up with plans that would keep Aarvi busy and tumble all her plans. He laughed hysterically sitting in his study imagining Aarvi, Aaron, Shawn, maybe Dax arguing and crashing each of their plans.

"Both the projects are going to be mine." Leon proclaimed himself with regard to Skylar's most anticipated project Palm resort and Harmon's most important acquisition of chemical plan.

Meanwhile, disregarding everything, Aaron buried the little frame in his embrace, having their best sleep so far.