RICHARD'S POV leaned back in my chair, feeling the weight of the room shift as Brenda's eyes met mine. There was a spark there, a glimmer of curiosity and perhaps a bit of skepticism."So, Richard," she began, her tone light but her gaze piercing, "you’re really part of the business consortium?"I leaned forward, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Yes, Brenda. I recently obtained membership."Her eyebrows shot up, and for a moment, she looked genuinely impressed. "Well, color me surprised. I thought they only allowed a select few, the crème de la crème."I chuckled, shaking my head. "You know, it’s not as exclusive as they make it out to be. But yes, they do have their standards."Brenda’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Standards, huh? I was beginning to think they just let in anyone with a decent suit and a charming smile."I laughed, the sound filling the room. "Well, I do have a pretty decent suit. And my smile? It’s legendary."She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her gr

RICHARD'S POV “John,” Mr. Dennis’ voice boomed, cutting through the room like a hot knife through butter. Everyone froze. “Seems you conveniently forgot to mention that Richard saved my Cathy when those high-priced hospital hacks were ready to ship her off to the morgue.” John, momentarily stunned, recovered quickly, plastering on a smile that was as fake as a three-dollar bill. "Ah, yes, Mr. Dennis, my apologies. You see how easily I’m swayed by emotion? But perhaps our esteemed guest, Richard, could enlighten us further. A little demonstration of these… exceptional medical skills, maybe?” He looked at me, his eyes gleaming with a challenge. “I for one would be very interested to witness such talent firsthand. And offer my most sincere praise, of course.”I could practically smell the trap he was setting, but his blatant attempt at sarcasm was almost amusing. He wanted a show, did he? Fine. Two could play at this game. Before I could respond, a groan ripped through the room. A

RICHARD’S POV"So, you're telling me your family is holding off on marrying you off like some prized pony, all for a shot at this consortium?" I asked, stirring the ice in my scotch.Amelia nodded earnestly, her brow furrowed with concern. "It's not exactly like that," she said, a slight blush creeping up her neck. "They just think it would be a good opportunity for the family business." I chuckled. "Right, and I'm sure they wouldn't dream of picking a suitable bachelor with excellent connections if you fail." She shot me a playful glare. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?""A lot," I admitted, taking a sip of my drink. "But hey, maybe I can offer some advice. You never know, I might even have a few connections myself."Amelia's eyes widened. "You're serious? You could actually help?" I leaned back, enjoying her sudden surge of hope. "Well, I am a member of this illustrious Business Consortium you speak of."The look on her face was priceless. Pure, unrefined hock. "You're kidd

RICHARD'S POVMr Dennis gave me a ride to my father's villa when I finished at the jewelry store. He gave my shoulder a reassuring pat before I hopped out of his car. "Give your father my best, Richard," he said, his face a mask of concern. "I will, sir. Thank you again for the ride," I replied, forcing a smile. I wasn't sure what I'd find inside. The texts from my father had been frantic, filled with words like "chest pain" and "can't breathe."When I went into the house, I felt a strange feeling. The house was not quiet like usual. There was a strange feeling in the air. Jonathan and William, my stepbrothers, were sitting in the living room like vultures waiting to eat something dead."Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence," Jonathan drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He didn't even bother looking up from his phone. William, never one to be outdone, let out a loud snorting sound like a pig struggling for truffles. "Heard you were playing doctor these

RICHARD’S POV He sighed again, this time it sounded more like a groan. “Look, Richard, all I’m saying is… I want to make things right. I want to be a father to you, if you’ll let me.” "Let me get this straight," I said, leaning back and folding my arms. "After all these years, after ignoring me, pretending I didn't exist, you want to suddenly be a father?" He looked down at his hands, his face flushed. He looked up at me, his eyes pleading. “Give me another chance, Richard. Please.” I held his gaze for a long moment, letting the silence stretch between us. Part of me, the angry, bitter part, wanted to tell him to shove it. To tell him he’d had his chance and blown it. But there was another part, a small, flickering part that wanted to believe him. That craved a father's love, even if it was years overdue. "Fine," I finally said, my voice gruff. "But this doesn't change anything. We'll take it slow, one day at a time." He beamed, his face lighting up like a kid at Christmas. “Th