TWENTY FOUR

Adrian

I stood at the door of my dad's study, hesitating for a second. Deep down, I was trusting Mum not to scare Maxen away with her overprotectiveness. She means well, but she can be… intense. Still, I know Maxen—he's strong, confident, and not someone who gets easily shaken. He can handle her. Honestly, I'm kind of looking forward to the look on Mum's face when she realizes they actually have a lot in common.

But right now, it's Dad I need to face. I have to reassure him. Calm him. Let him know I've got this under control.

People think my father is all stern and stone-faced, and yeah, on the surface, he is. But underneath that tough exterior is a heart that softens when it comes to family. I know he's worried—probably more than he's letting on.

"What time are you planning to stand there, Adrian?" his voice called sharply from inside the study. "I need to go see my wife downstairs."

I let out a soft laugh. He's always been like this—sensing me before I even knock. Always thinking about Mum, even now. Some things never change.

Shaking my head, I opened the door and stepped in, quietly closing it behind me.

Dad sat behind his large oak desk, a cup of coffee in one hand and a tablet in the other. He looked up over his glasses, his expression unreadable—but his eyes scanned me the way they always did: calculating, concerned, curious.

"Sit."

I obeyed, settling into the chair across from him. The study smelled of leather, old books, and that signature cologne he never stopped wearing.

"So," he began, setting the tablet aside, "what are you going to do about the mess? What about the Mr. Gavin project? Because I already know—you're not the type to compromise your love for anything."

"Yeah," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "As for your first and second questions—I'll leave it as it is. I know the board won't agree, but I'm not dragging unnecessary media attention into the charity program. And as for the project—I believe our company can still secure the deal. But even if we don't, there are other great projects out there. If we're disqualified because of this headline, then maybe they don't deserve Veymar Entertainment's attention in the first place."

Silence stretched between us for a moment. He took a slow sip of his coffee and studied me again.

"I'm proud of your values and determination," he said at last, a small smile breaking through. "I wouldn't trade your mother for anything either. That's the Veymar blood talking."

His smile lingered, but then his tone shifted.

"So… you brought him home."

"Yeah," I replied. "I did."

"You've never brought anyone here before."

"I know."

"And now you're here… with him."

"Yes," I said simply.

He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.

"Do you understand what this means, Adrian? Bringing someone into this house—into this name—it's not something you do just because you feel like it."

"I know," I repeated. "But I'm not just bringing him in. I'm inviting him in. There's a difference."

He raised an eyebrow, sharp and assessing. "And you think he's ready for all that comes with you?"

"I think we are," I answered. "Together."

He didn't say anything for a while. Then, quietly, he reached for a photo frame on his desk—one of our family, taken years ago. I remembered the day. We'd gone to the countryside, and Mum had forced us all into matching white shirts. We hated it then. Now it feels like a memory we all treasure.

"You're my son, Adrian. I trust you," he said finally, voice softer now. "But that doesn't mean I'll stop watching out for you. This life we live—it's heavy. And it gets even heavier when someone else has to carry it with you."

"I know," I said honestly. "But I've carried it alone for too long. I don't want to anymore."

He held my gaze, and then, with a small nod, gave me the answer I didn't even realize I needed.

"Alright. I'll support you. But I'll be watching him—closely."

I smiled. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

He stood, stretching his arms slightly. "Let's go. Your mother is probably charming him into telling her his blood type by now."

I laughed, standing to follow him. My heart felt lighter than it had in days.

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TO BE CONTINUED...

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