The next morning, Vox emerged from his room looking as polished and composed as ever, his usual businesslike demeanor back in place. Over breakfast, he approached Ava, who was happily munching on a bowl of cereal at the kitchen counter.
"Ava," he said, his voice smooth, "I have a proposition for you. How would you like to accompany me to work today? Your feedback on our last toy was invaluable, and we're looking to develop more. I think your input could be exactly what we need."
Ava's eyes lit up. "Really? You want my help again?"
"Absolutely," Vox replied, leaning slightly on the counter. "Your ideas were a hit with the focus groups, and you've got a knack for knowing what kids like. So, what do you say?"
Ava looked at her cereal thoughtfully before nodding enthusiastically. "Okay! But can I bring Quackers?"
Vox hesitated for a moment, picturing the massive plush duck taking up half his office. "...As long as Quackers stays in the car," he said with a small smirk.
Lucifer, seated at the table with a cup of coffee, raised an eyebrow. "You're really dragging my daughter into the corporate world, Vox? She's six."
"Exactly," Vox countered. "She's our target demographic, after all."
Alastor chimed in from the stove where he was flipping pancakes. "Well, don't overwork her. She has other duties, like terrorizing KeeKee and disrupting our naps."
Ava giggled. "I'll still have time for that, Daddy Al!"
"Excellent," Alastor replied with a grin, placing a plate of pancakes on the counter. "Then off you go, little consultant."
Vox straightened up. "Perfect. Be ready in ten, Ava. We'll take the Voxmobile."
"The Voxmobile?" Lucifer muttered under his breath. "You really named your car?"
Vox ignored the comment, walking away to prepare.
Fifteen minutes later, Ava and Vox were cruising through Pentagram City in his sleek, futuristic car. Ava was practically bouncing in her seat, her excitement palpable.
"So, what are we working on today?" she asked, looking out the window at the passing chaos of the city.
"Well," Vox began, "our last product—a transforming robot plushie—was a massive success. We're thinking of expanding the line with more interactive toys. Things that light up, make sounds, maybe even talk back. I want to hear what you think kids would love."
Ava thought for a moment. "Maybe a toy that can change colors! Or one that can fly! Oh, or a stuffed animal that tells you stories!"
Vox nodded, genuinely impressed. "Color-changing and storytelling—those are great ideas. I'll have the R&D team look into those."
When they arrived at Vox's headquarters, Ava's jaw dropped. The sleek, towering building was a marvel of modern design, with screens and holograms flashing Vox's brand everywhere. Inside, the place buzzed with activity as demons in suits rushed around, carrying tablets and samples of products.
"This is where the magic happens," Vox said with a proud gesture. "Let's get to work."
He led her to a conference room where a team of designers and engineers were waiting. Ava quickly got into the swing of things, sharing her ideas with surprising confidence. The team listened attentively, taking notes as Vox occasionally chimed in to guide the conversation.
By lunchtime, they had sketched out prototypes based on Ava's suggestions, and Vox had even arranged for her to test a few of their existing products. Ava's laughter filled the room as she played with a toy that shot confetti when squeezed.
"You've got a sharp mind, kid," Vox said as they left the room. "You might have a future in this business."
Ava beamed. "Do I get paid for this?"
Vox chuckled. "We'll negotiate your salary later. For now, how about lunch?"
Back at the hotel that evening, Ava was full of stories about her day at work with Vox. She showed off a small, prototype toy he had given her—a tiny robot duck that quacked when she pressed its beak.
"I helped make this!" she announced proudly, holding it up for Lucifer and Alastor to see.
Lucifer gave Vox a look. "You've officially created a tiny corporate overlord."
Vox smirked. "I prefer the term 'future entrepreneur.'"
Alastor chuckled, patting Ava's head. "Well done, darling. Just don't let Vox turn you into a workaholic."
"I won't!" Ava promised. "But I think I wanna make more toys!"
Lucifer sighed dramatically. "And so it begins."
That morning, Vox decided to take Ava to lunch before they headed to his office for the afternoon's work. As they walked through the lively streets of Pentagram City, Ava skipped happily at his side, her excitement for spending the day with Vox evident.
Vox glanced down at her with a rare, subtle smile. "So, Ava, I thought we'd grab a bite before getting back to work. One of my friends is joining us."
Ava looked up, her curious expression lighting up her face. "A friend? Is it your boyfriend? The one who gave you the mark thing?"
Vox stumbled slightly, his usual calm demeanor breaking as a faint blush crept onto his face. "What?! No! I—Ava, I don't have a boyfriend! The mark... it's nothing. It's just a friend."
Ava giggled at his flustered tone, clearly enjoying the reaction. "Okay, if you say so."
He sighed, adjusting his tie. "I do say so. Now come on, the restaurant's just ahead."
They arrived at a sleek, upscale establishment with holographic menus and modern decor. Vox led Ava to a private booth in the back, ensuring they wouldn't be disturbed. The table projected a soft glow, creating an air of sophistication that Ava seemed to find fascinating.
As they settled in, Ava swung her legs under the table, looking around. "What's your friend like?"
Vox shrugged nonchalantly. "He's... well, you'll see when he gets here."
Moments later, the door to their booth slid open, and a tall, sharply dressed demon with slicked-back hair stepped in. His confident stride and easygoing smile immediately commanded attention. "Vox! Good to see—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Vox shot up from his seat, grabbed the man by the arm, and dragged him into the corner of the room.
Ava watched, wide-eyed, as the two engaged in a heated, whispered conversation. Vox gestured wildly, while the man—clearly amused—kept his voice calm, occasionally nodding or smirking.
After a few moments, they returned to the table, Vox looking slightly more composed. "Ava," he said, gesturing to the man beside him, "this is my friend, Percy."
Percy gave Ava a warm smile, his voice smooth. "Hello, Ava. I've heard a lot about you."
Ava tilted her head, studying him. "Hi! Are you really just his friend?"
Vox groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Yes, Percy is just my friend, Ava. Can we order lunch now?"
Percy chuckled, clearly entertained. "She's got a sharp eye, Vox. I like her."