or the second day in a row, he was woken up earlier than he liked. This time, however, i

ix of warmth and firmness, a tone that he knew

the soft knock on the door. "Come in, Mom," he

eyes-a look that told him this wasn't going to be a casual conversati

she started, her tone light but insistent. "When are yo

oided for years had finally caught up with him. Evely

grandchildren always rubbed him the wrong way. He had far more important things on his mind-running S.A.T.F.A.R., managing Project He

he said, trying to keep his voice steady and

n't pour your whole life into the company. One day, you'll wake up and realize you missed out on som

marriage, and she couldn't understand why he wasn't eager to take advantage of it. But Nathaniel had no interest in women who were drawn to his fortune

he same line he always did. It was enough to buy him some tim

it go-for now. "Just think about it, Nathaniel.

gave him a quick kiss on the

n, but the idea of marriage-especially now-felt like an unnecessary complication. He had

ed to escape the prying eyes of his family and the weight of his responsibilities-just for a

n a simple outfit that blended in with any average person. Dark jeans, a plain hoodie, and a

ere nobody knew who he really was. It was his favorite way to escape the pressures of his life. In this city, he wasn't Nathani

into the distance. The feeling of anonymity was liberating. No one here cared who he was, an

tepped out and took a deep breath of the cool morning air. He was ready to disapp

re, leaning against a sleek blac

adn't expected his father to show up here, in a place where

n his fingers. "Thought you might need this, son," he said, his tone casu

his eyes narrowing.

You didn't think you could just va

ung woman in her mid-twenties, dressed sharply in a tailored butler's uniform.

of our family's butler. I figured you could use someone reliable, som

e had been hoping for some peace, to blend in without drawing attention. And now

t Lila, who gave him a small nod of acknowledgment. She seemed professional en

r," Nathaniel said, trying

la is more than just a butler. She's sharp, resou

here to assist you, Mr. Cole. I can be as involved or as u

the situation. His father wasn't the type to let things

he ATM card into his pocket. "But

ile. "Of course. I'm he

back to the car. "I'll leave you to it, then. Just reme

standing at the train stop with Lila by his s

or his next move. He couldn't help but wonder what she

genda. He would find a way to keep his secrets,

said, turning t

into the bustling streets, the weight of hi