Julius silently fumed as he listened to his children explain how they arrived at the office building only to be rejected at the door because no one knew their connection to him. He no longer cared about their failed meeting with Leon, or the fact the deal had been salvaged by Aria. All he cared about was finding the person responsible for dismissing his children, but even retribution was denied him when his father handled the receptionist. “Such a spiteful old man,” Katherine grumbled. “Come on baby, let’s go on that date.” She clutched his arm, but Julius jerked away. He glared at her, demanding, “What are you still doing here? This is an office building for people who work! Do you know anything about that?” Katherine’s mouth opened and closed several times as she struggled to think of an answer. No one had ever expected her to work. Her parents treated her like a princess and insisted she not worry about money. She reached for him again, bu
Julius hesitated, glancing down before making a decision, “No. No, I haven’t.” Stephen nodded and quickly departed before he accidentally broke his impassive expression with a smile and ruined the ruse. So far, the twins’ plan was going exactly the way they hoped. Julius hesitated before looking down at the adorable pair crouched under his desk. He grinned, saying, “He’s gone. Do you two want to stay under there? I think you will be more comfortable out here with me. He won’t come back unless I call for him.” The twins shared a look before crawling out. Aria hopped onto her feet, bouncing so that her pigtails swung wildly. Caden stood up more cautiously, glancing toward the door to be certain they were indeed alone. “Thank you mister,” Aria smiled brightly. Julius’s face twitched. He clenched his jaw before saying, “Julius.” “Julus?” Aria repeated with a child’s careless pronunciation. “Jul
Macey sighed, trying to marshal her courage. The car door opened, a hand reached in to help her out. She stared at it several moments before she placed her hand in it and stepped out to face Stephen. With a nod, he gave her hand to the waiting Augustus. “You look beautiful, my dear.” Macey gave him a wry look. Tonight she wore a dark blue gown similar in style to the green one of the night before. The material and texture were different, but both hugged her figure. This one had rhinestones sewn in to the hem and skirt, giving it added sparkle. It also had a high neck and covered her chest like the first one, but this time the material was black lace. Showing a lot more skin, it was still modest enough for her sensibilities. Though she was not adept at complex hairstyles, she managed a French braid that tamed her abundant curls. “Are you sure I need to be here?” Macey asked. “You know how much I hate these kinds of things.” “Now,
The twins nodded. They noticed their father smelled of alcohol when they went to see him. He even had a drink on the desk. Yet, he hadn’t touched it the entire time they were with him. While they were there, he laughed and smiled too. So, maybe what Stephen said was true and their father only drank when he was sad. “Okay,” Aria announced, “grand-père, you invite maman to see the Picasso so she and papa can meet each other.” “What about us?” Caden asked. “We’re not going,” Aria said. “This is for grown-ups.” “I mean what is maman going to do with us?” Caden clarified. “She won’t go if we don’t have a babysitter.” “Oh, right.” Aria’s face fell. Their mother trusted very few people with their care. She certainly wouldn’t trust that woman again after they disappeared from under her nose. “That’s not a problem,” Augustus assured him. “Your aunt and uncle can watch you.” “You mean Tante Rose and Oncle
“Champagne sir?” a server offered as Julius entered. Shaking his head, Julius waved him off and headed to the bar to order his usual whiskey. He leaned on the counter with his drink in hand, but found he really wasn’t interested in actually drinking it as he studied the attendees. It seemed like the usual crowd. Julius drank with most of them on one occasion or another, but he didn’t feel like mingling tonight. He was more relaxed than he had been in years. His mind was clear, still reveling in the memory of the hour he spent with his children. Their giggles filled his ears and he longed to hold them again. Julius set down his drink, a slow smile softening his expression. If only the kids were here tonight, but this was not his father’s crowd. It was unlikely Macey would attend and without her the twins would definitely not make an appearance. And given the crowd, he wouldn’t want them here anyway. There was no one here he wanted to introduce them
Julius didn’t acknowledge the last comment as he walked away intent on leaving, but then came to a sudden halt. Why would his father bring Macey here? Did he come by mistake? Then again, Macey did have an eye for art, so seeing a Picasso might be a treat for her. Still unsure, he threaded his way through the crowd, searching for her. He had to be sure. It didn’t take him long to find her. She stood out like a bright light in the dark. Her gown hugged her in all the right places. Its lace front was far more revealing than what she usually wore, and he appreciated every inch of it. She laughed lightly at something his father said. Julius’s breath caught in his throat as he watched her converse easily with his father, a man most found overbearing and terrifying. Yet, fear was never something she felt towards the DaLair patriarch. He was her father’s best friend and practically an uncle. How could he have forgotten that? Macey had always been comforta
His thumb stroked her cheek. Involuntarily, Macey leaned into the touch. Her eyes fluttered closed. Julius’s smile broadened as his heart thudded in his ears, seeing her reaction to his touch. He leaned forward until his forehead rested against hers. “I’ve been so worried about you.” Macey hesitantly met his gaze. His face was so close, but she didn’t try to put distance between them. Was it just because they had been apart for so long or was she just that comfortable with him? “I never stopped looking for you.” “…You didn’t?” Pain flashed in his eyes at the thought she didn’t believe him, but he could hardly blame her after their last night together. She deserved the truth, the whole truth. With a sigh, he said, “That night I came home drunk and passed out. But the next morning, when I realized you were gone, really gone, I had Eric track your phone. When I found it in the trash, I panicked. I had him co
Julius and Macey parted slowly, breathless as they stood together. Macey felt her face warm as she blushed, embarrassed by how her body responded to his. They had been apart six years and yet it felt as if none had passed. Macey tried to date once or twice after she left him, but it always ended awkwardly. She never responded to any man the way she responded to him. Seeing her embarrassment, Julius smiled, gently stroking her cheek. Having her in his arms again felt right. She had to feel it too. It couldn’t just be him. He wanted to ask her, but he couldn’t form the words. What if she said no? Macey averted her gaze, suddenly feeling more and more awkward the longer they lingered and said, “I…should get back to dad. He’s probably wondering where I’ve gone.” “He’s a big boy,” Julius whispered, leaning close before she pulled away. “He can take care of himself. Stay…with me.” “Julius…” “Stay, Macey. I’ll beg if
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their