Chapter 705: Due Visit

Dayo spent the remainder of the afternoon at his office, moving between acquisition documents and the private reports concerning Michael Erickson and Silas Vane. The rumours he had set in motion were beginning to reach people connected to their former network, but the reactions remained cautious. He knew better than to expect immediate results. Men who had spent years protecting their interests would not abandon old alliances because of a few uncomfortable questions. They would investigate, compare what they heard, and decide whether their own safety mattered more than their loyalty.

For now, he allowed the matter to continue without his direct involvement. The acquisition team still needed his approval on several outstanding agreements, and he had no intention of allowing his private concerns to interfere with the transition at JD Records. He reviewed the latest financial summary, approved the revised schedule for the remaining meetings, and instructed the legal department to make sure every outstanding contract was handled properly. By the time he closed his laptop, most of the day’s urgent work had been completed.

His phone lay beside the documents, displaying a message from Abisola that he had read earlier but had not answered. She had told him about her visit to Luna’s parents’ ranch and how Jennifer had gradually become comfortable with her grandmother. The message had also mentioned Luna looking towards the driveway when Abisola arrived, apparently expecting someone else to step out of the car.

Dayo had not needed his mother to explain who Luna had been hoping to see. He had wanted to go with Abisola that day, but he had kept the promise he made to Luna. He would finish dealing with the danger surrounding Michael and Silas before trying to return to their lives as though nothing had happened. His mother had understood his decision, even if she had not hidden her disappointment that he continued to keep himself away from his daughter.

The situation had changed since then, although Dayo knew that a prison sentence did not automatically remove every danger. Michael and Silas had been convicted, their label was passing into his control, and the authorities had evidence of their crimes. The latest report had reminded him that both men still had connections outside prison, but he had already begun taking precautions. He could continue monitoring the situation without using it as a reason to postpone every personal decision.

Dayo picked up his phone and opened Luna’s contact. He considered calling her, then decided that a message would give her room to respond without feeling pressured. He typed a short explanation that he wanted to visit her and Jennifer at the ranch, adding that he would come whenever it was convenient for her. Before sending it, he read the message once more to make sure it did not sound as if he were announcing a decision she had no choice but to accept.

Her reply did not come immediately. Dayo returned to the documents on his desk and answered an email from the acquisition team, but his attention kept returning to the phone. When it finally vibrated, Luna’s message was brief. She told him that he could come the following day and that her parents would be home.

He read it twice before replying that he would arrive in the afternoon. There was no declaration that she had forgiven him, and she did not ask him to explain himself through a string of messages. That was fine. He had spent enough time trying to solve difficult situations through plans and decisions. This time, he needed to show up and let the conversation happen.

The following morning, Dayo arrived at JD Records earlier than usual. He met with the acquisition team, reviewed the final list of outstanding issues, and confirmed that Felix would oversee the remaining work while he was away. The visit would not take the entire day, but he wanted to make sure nobody was left waiting for his approval on a matter that could have been settled before he left.

Felix entered the office with a folder under his arm just as Dayo was checking the day’s schedule. He placed the folder on the desk and explained that the transition was progressing well, with only a few agreements requiring further review. Dayo went through the summary, asked about two contracts that still needed clarification, and approved the items that were ready.

“Are you going to be around this afternoon?” Felix asked when the discussion was nearly over. “The transition team may need you for a meeting, although I can handle it if you’re occupied.”

“I’m going out to see Luna and Jennifer,” Dayo replied, closing the folder. “Move the meeting if it isn’t urgent. If they need a decision before tomorrow, call me and I’ll deal with it.”

Felix accepted the arrangement without asking unnecessary questions. He knew Dayo had been keeping his distance from Luna because of the promise he made, and he also knew that the separation had been difficult for him. The legal situation was still complicated, but Dayo had already made it clear that he would not allow the acquisition to become an excuse for neglecting his family again.

Before leaving the office, Dayo checked the security arrangements around his home and the people responsible for his family’s protection. He did not want the new information about Michael and Silas to be ignored, particularly after the kidnapping, but he also refused to let fear dictate every hour of his life. The arrangements were in place, the people assigned to them had been briefed, and the monitoring network would continue sending reports if anything changed.

Only after confirming that everything was in order did he collect his keys and leave. He drove himself to the ranch, keeping the journey quiet and resisting the temptation to call Luna again simply because he wanted to hear her voice. She knew he was coming, and he wanted to give her the space to decide how she would receive him.

The property came into view after he passed through the entrance. The ranch was larger than a casual visitor might expect, with open pasture, several stable buildings, equipment sheds, and workers moving between different areas of the grounds. It was a working property, and the activity around the buildings made that clear. A worker guiding a vehicle towards one of the sheds glanced at Dayo’s car as it approached the main house.

He parked in front of the house and stepped out, looking towards the entrance. Luna was already outside.

She stood near the front steps, but her attention seemed to be elsewhere. One hand rested against the railing while she looked across the driveway without appearing to focus on anything in particular. Dayo wondered whether she had been waiting for him for long, then decided against calling out from a distance. He closed the car door and began walking towards her.

Luna turned at the sound. For a moment, she simply stared at him as if she needed to make sure he had actually arrived. Then she moved towards him quickly, abandoning whatever composure she had been trying to maintain. Dayo opened his arms before she reached him, and she threw herself against his chest, wrapping both arms around him.

He held her firmly, one hand resting against the back of her head while she pressed her face into his shoulder. The strength with which she held him told him more than her short messages had. He had missed her badly, but he had not fully understood how much she had missed him until she came running towards him without stopping to think about whether she was still supposed to be angry.

For several seconds, neither of them said anything. Dayo let her hold him, unwilling to hurry the moment simply because he had spent the journey preparing what he might say. When Luna finally moved back enough to look at him, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek, then kissed her again before she could begin the conversation she had probably rehearsed.

She tried to pull back, but her hands remained against his shoulders. “Dayo, do you want to suffocate me? You haven’t even allowed me to speak since you arrived.”

He smiled at her. “With that smile on your face, someone would think you’re enjoying yourself.”

Luna’s face reddened, and she looked away for a moment as though that would help her recover. “You think you’re funny.”

“I didn’t say that. I only said what I saw.” Dayo drew her back into his arms and rested his cheek against her hair. “I’ve missed you, Luna. I’ve missed you so much.”

Her expression softened, and the playful complaint faded. “I’ve missed you too,” she admitted, holding him again. “You have no idea how many times I’ve wanted to call you and then remembered that I was supposed to be angry with you.”

“I know you have every reason to be angry with me,” he replied. “I’m not going to pretend that one visit fixes everything, but I couldn’t keep staying away from you and Jennifer.”

Luna looked up at him. There were still things she wanted to say about the kidnapping, the fear she had carried, and the way Dayo had sometimes made decisions without considering how they would affect her. Yet the sight of him standing in front of her made it difficult to begin with a complaint. She had missed his presence in ordinary moments, not just when something went wrong. She missed talking to him without arranging a time, knowing where he was, and having him nearby when the day was over.

“I don’t want us to go back to how things were before,” she said after a pause. “I don’t want you to think that because I’m happy to see you, everything is settled.”

Dayo took her hand. “I understand. We still have things to talk about, and I want us to talk about them properly. I didn’t come here expecting you to forget what happened.”

Her fingers tightened around his. “Good, because I haven’t forgotten it.”

“Neither have I.”

The sound of a horse approaching interrupted them. Luna turned towards the yard as her father came into view, riding along the path that led from the stables. Richard slowed the horse near the house and looked at the couple standing together. His expression remained serious as he dismounted, handed the reins to a nearby worker, and walked towards them.

Luna’s grip on Dayo’s hand changed slightly. She knew her father had been waiting for this meeting, and she also knew that his feelings about Jennifer’s kidnapping had not softened simply because Dayo had finally come to the ranch.

Richard stopped a short distance away and looked directly at Dayo. “So this is the young man who has been worrying my daughter.”

Dayo did not try to laugh off the remark. He straightened and greeted him respectfully, introducing himself properly even though Richard already knew exactly who he was. “It’s an honour to meet you, Mr Richard. I’ve heard a lot about you and the ranch.”

Richard gave little indication that the greeting had impressed him. “Have you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then you should know that I don’t have much interest in your fame or how many people know your name.” Richard glanced briefly at Luna before looking back at Dayo. “My daughter and granddaughter were put in danger. I don’t intend to forget that because you have decided to come visiting.”

“I understand,” Dayo replied. “You have every reason to be upset with me.”

Luna looked at her father, ready to object to his tone, but Dayo gently touched her hand before she could speak. He was not going to ask her to defend him in front of her parents. Richard had spent days worrying about Jennifer and Luna, and Dayo understood why the man was reluctant to welcome him if he was in his shoes he might act worse.

Before Richard could continue, Dayo turned towards the house. “Where is Jennifer? I’d like to see her.”

Luna’s expression changed at the mention of their daughter. “She’s inside with Mum. Come with me.”

She led him into the house, leaving Richard to follow at his own pace. The living room was quiet, with a few toys spread across the floor near the sofa. Faith sat nearby, keeping an eye on Jennifer as the little girl occupied herself with a soft toy. When she heard Luna enter, she looked up and smiled, but Jennifer was the first to notice the man behind her mother.

The child paused, studying Dayo’s face. He crouched down so that he would not appear too imposing and held out his arms, calling her gently. Jennifer looked at him for another moment before moving towards him. Once he picked her up, she settled against his chest and began touching his face, apparently satisfied that the person she recognized was really there.

Dayo held her close and kissed her forehead. “Daddy’s here, sweetheart.”

Jennifer made a small sound and caught a handful of his shirt. When he tried to set her down so he could greet Faith properly, she immediately tightened her hold and protested. He laughed softly and kept her in his arms, allowing her to settle before turning towards the older woman.

Faith rose to greet him. This was their first proper meeting, and she welcomed him with a warmth that contrasted with Richard’s guarded manner. Dayo thanked her for allowing him to visit and for taking care of Luna and Jennifer. Faith assured him that they were family and that she had been happy to have them stay, although she admitted that the circumstances had been difficult for everyone.

“You must have been worried sick,” she said, looking at Jennifer in his arms. “Luna tried to remain strong, but there were nights when she barely slept. She was thinking about Jennifer and wondering what might happen next.”

Dayo listened without interrupting. “I know. I should have done more to make sure she didn’t have to carry so much of that fear alone.”

Faith studied him for a moment, then asked about the legal proceedings and the situation with Michael and Silas. Dayo explained that both men had been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, and that the acquisition of their label was nearly complete. He did not go into every detail of the business or the private information he had received about their remaining contacts. Instead, he told her that the legal matters were being handled and that he was making sure the family’s security arrangements remained in place.

Faith wanted to know what would happen to the artists and employees of the label now that JD Records was taking control. Dayo explained that he intended to protect their contracts and give them clarity about the transition. He did not want innocent people to lose their livelihoods because of the actions of the men who had owned the company.

The conversation gradually moved away from the court and the acquisition. Faith asked about Dayo’s parents and the restaurant he had helped them establish, and he told her about Abisola’s recent visit. Luna listened while Jennifer continued playing with his shirt and hair, occasionally interrupting the conversation by reaching for his face. Each time Dayo tried to place her beside her mother, she returned to his arms.

Richard eventually joined them in the living room. He had changed out of his riding clothes, but his attitude towards Dayo remained reserved. Faith asked whether he had finished checking the morning’s work around the ranch, and Richard replied that everything was under control. He then looked towards Dayo, who was still carrying Jennifer.

“How much do you know about running a ranch?” Richard asked.

“Almost nothing,” Dayo admitted. “I’ve visited places with horses before, but I’ve never been responsible for the work here.”

Richard seemed surprised that he had answered so plainly. “At least you know what you don’t know.”

“I’d rather ask someone who understands it than pretend I do.”

Faith smiled at the exchange, and Richard returned his attention to the ranch. He explained that the property required daily attention, regardless of the weather or who happened to be visiting. The animals needed feeding, equipment needed maintenance, and workers had responsibilities that could not be postponed because someone important had arrived.

Dayo asked a few questions about the size of the property and the work involved. Richard answered more than he had intended, especially when Dayo showed interest in how the ranch was organized. He was not trying to impress Richard with business language. He genuinely wanted to understand the place where Luna and Jennifer had been staying.

By late afternoon, Faith mentioned that dinner would be ready soon. Dayo offered to help, but she told him to sit down and spend time with Jennifer instead. The little girl had finally become comfortable enough to play with his hair while he sat on the sofa, and every attempt to move her to Luna’s lap ended with Jennifer reaching back for him.

Luna sat beside them, watching the two of them together. She had spent days wondering what would happen when Dayo finally came to the ranch. Part of her had expected him to arrive with an explanation, a plan, and a request for her to return home immediately. Instead, he had come to see their daughter, greeted her parents respectfully, and accepted Richard’s hostility without turning the visit into an argument.

That did not mean she had stopped worrying about the future. She still needed to know whether Dayo would listen when she disagreed with him and whether he would involve her in decisions that affected their family. But for the first time in a while, she felt that they might be able to discuss those things without the conversation becoming another battle.

Dinner was served at the dining table, and the family gathered together. Richard remained quieter than Faith, who asked Dayo about his plans for the coming weeks and whether the acquisition would require him to travel frequently. Dayo explained that there would be work to do, but he intended to make time for Luna and Jennifer rather than allowing the company to occupy every part of his life.

Jennifer sat close to him and kept reaching for his hair. When the food arrived, she refused to remain in her seat for long and eventually insisted on sitting beside him. Dayo cut her food into small pieces and fed her patiently, stopping whenever she became distracted by something on the table. Luna helped when needed, but Jennifer continued to prefer her father’s attention.

Richard watched them throughout the meal. He did not suddenly become friendly, but the sight of Dayo caring for Jennifer without handing the responsibility to someone else made it harder for him to maintain his earlier judgment. At one point, Jennifer reached up and tugged at Dayo’s hair while he was trying to eat. He gently moved her hand away, then returned to feeding her when she made it clear that she was not finished.

A smile finally appeared on Richard’s face. He quickly returned his attention to his meal, but Faith noticed it and exchanged a brief look with Luna. Neither woman said anything that might embarrass him.

After dinner, Richard pushed his chair back and stood. He told Dayo that he expected him at the ranch by six the following morning. There would be work to do, and he wanted to see whether Dayo was prepared to take responsibility for something outside his usual world. If he arrived late, Richard warned, he should not expect to take Jennifer home.

Dayo accepted the instruction without protest. “I’ll be here, sir.”

Richard gave him a final look before leaving the dining room. Faith waited until he was out of hearing before telling Dayo that her husband could be stubborn when he had made up his mind. She also warned him that the morning would not be a simple tour of the property.

Luna leaned closer and spoke quietly. “You know he means it, don’t you? He isn’t going to give you an easy morning because you’re my partner.”

“I know,” Dayo replied, taking Jennifer from her when she reached for him again. “I’ll be here at six.”

Faith laughed gently and told him to get some rest. Dayo stayed a little longer with Jennifer, playing with her until she grew tired and began rubbing her eyes. When Luna carried their daughter upstairs, he followed them and helped settle her for the night. He kissed Jennifer’s forehead before leaving the room, taking care not to wake her again.

Later, he sat with Luna in the quiet living room. They spoke about ordinary things first, including the journey, the ranch, and how Jennifer had reacted to seeing him. Neither of them wanted to turn their first evening together into a long discussion of everything that had gone wrong. The affection between them was still there, and for that night they allowed themselves to enjoy being together without demanding that every problem be solved immediately.

When it was time to sleep, Dayo understood that the following morning would be another test. Richard was not going to accept him because he is famous or because he has a powerful person with few connections. He wanted to know what sort of person Dayo was when there was work to be done, when someone was angry with him, and when he could not rely on his reputation to make things easier.

Dayo was prepared to find out. He had come to the ranch because he wanted to return to Luna and Jennifer, but he knew that wanting them was not enough. The next morning, he would have to show Richard that he understood the responsibility that came with being part of their family.

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