e painted a soothing light gray, and the floor was made of rich, dark wood. A comfortable, oversized armch

rumpled white shirt and dark jeans, and his eyes were fixed intently on the book in his lap. A pair of rea

e, lived-in feel. Ander's chair was pushed back from the desk, as if he had just gotten up to grab a cup of coffee or stretc

with a good book and a cup of coffee and stay for hours. And with Kael sitting there, looking

Ander's as he walked back into the room. "So, what

"I've been thinking of diversifying our portfolio, Kael. We've been doing well wit

eaving Ander's face. "I agree

been looking into some sustainable energy projects. Not only

's a great idea. What kind of

face. "Well, I've been looking at a few options. Solar panels,

some big-ticket items. What kin

he potential returns are huge, Kael. And with the government i

"I like it. Let's do some more research and crunch some num

around his fingers. "I knew you'd see

ious to surprised. "Wait, tomorrow

amusement. "That's what I get for having

got to keep the intellectual standards high ar

is chair. "So, are you ready to pa

oking forward to this all week. The penthouse, t

few surprises planned, too. A live band, some spe

You're not going to tell me it's some

"Let's just say...you'll be impres

qued. "Now you've got me intrigued. I ca

ust remember, Kael...tomorrow night, we're going to celebrate in

nvited the whole gan

"Wait, you've invited the whole ga

"Yeah, I figured it was time to mix things up a b

're something else, Kael. I'm not sure

e fun! And who knows, maybe you

not sure I'm ready for that ki

en. And besides, it's not like I've invited a bunch

what you're doing, Kael. I don't want my birthday pa

ture. "Hey, I promise, it'll be a classy

yebrow. "I hope s

ve got this. And who knows, yo

despite himself. "I doubt it,

the room, a determined look on his f

sensing where this was go

know how close I am to Richard A

ed warily.

been discussing a potential alliance be

understanding. "Ah, you

s a brilliant businesswoman and a wonderful person. I

disbelief. "Father, I...

about it, Ander. This union would secure our family's future and stre

pped. "But Father, I can't just..

a request. This is a family obligation. Set a date wit

between Ander and his father. He knew Ander's independent str

gthen our family ties but also benefit our company's future. The Andersons have a significant stake in our industry, and a unio

stand your reasoning, but can't you see that I'm not ready for this? I have my own goals and aspirati

egacy. Your personal desires are secondary to the greater good. I expect you to set a date with Sophia and m

He knew Ander felt trapped, and the pressure from his father was mounting. The tension in