Chapter 14: Aiden’s Vanishing Act

Nora looked up from her spreadsheet and blinked.

Aiden's mat was empty.

She stood quickly, scanning the studio. No sign of him. Panic surged through her.

She rushed down the hall, checking the lobby and nearby conference rooms. No one had seen him.

"Security footage," she told the receptionist.

Minutes later, she watched the screen as Aiden toddled calmly out of the studio, rounded the corner—and ran straight into Julian Zhao.

Julian crouched, spoke to the boy, then lifted him into his arms.

Nora practically flew to the top floor.

Julian's office door was slightly ajar. Inside, Aiden sat on the couch, happily chewing a rice cracker while Julian organized fabric swatches.

Nora burst in. "Mr. Zhao—I'm so sorry, he—"

Julian looked up, his expression unreadable. "Relax. He wanted an adventure."

Nora knelt beside Aiden, hugging him tightly.

As she stood, Julian studied her. "He doesn't look like you."

Nora stiffened. "He takes after his father."

Julian's gaze lingered for a beat too long. "I see."

But he didn't press.

And she didn't explain.