101 Molly looked up as soon as she heard the door open, her eyes lighting up the moment they met his. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, but there was a weariness in her expression that tore at his heart. She had been waiting far too long.“Papa!” she cried, her voice sweet and high-pitched, the kind of sound that always made his heart swell. She jumped up from the bench and rushed toward him, her little feet pattering on the floor.Dylan’s breath caught in his throat as he knelt down to meet her. He scooped her up into his arms without hesitation, holding her close against him.“I’m so sorry, baby,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t mean to be late. I promise, I won’t let it happen again.”Molly wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him as though she hadn’t seen him in years. “I knew you’d come, Papa,” she murmured sleepily, her voice muffled against his shoulder.Dylan’s heart broke at the words. He hadn’t realized how much she needed him. How m

103Jane’s phone buzzed on her desk, shattering the tense silence that had settled between her and Lydia. She let out an exasperated sigh, already dreading whoever was on the other end. Without even looking at the screen, she reached for the device and answered in a clipped tone.“What?”A dramatic gasp sounded from the other end. “Is that any way to greet your mother, Jane?”Jane clenched her jaw, pressing her fingers against her temple. “Mother.” Her voice was flat, void of any warmth. “What do you want?”Her mother, Linda Cooper, clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Oh, so now I have to want something just to call my own daughter? Maybe I just missed you, Jane. Maybe I was worried because I haven’t seen you since yesterday.”Jane rolled her eyes. Missed me? Worried? Please. The only time her mother reached out was when she needed something—money, favors, connections. There was no maternal affection behind these calls.“I’ve been busy,” Jane said curtly.“Yes, yes, always so busy wit

105 Lydia immediately noticed. “Oh my God, speak of the devil.” She practically bounced in her seat. “Answer it! Answer it right now!”Jane shot her a look but picked up the phone anyway. “Bobby?”“Jane.” His deep voice sent a shiver down her spine.Lydia silently squealed, shaking Jane’s arm excitedly. Jane swatted her away, trying to focus.Bobby chuckled. “Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”“No, not at all,” Jane said smoothly.“Good.” His voice was warm, confident. “I was wondering if you’d join me for dinner tonight.”Jane’s lips curled into a smile. “Dinner?”“Yes.” A pause. Then, with amusement, he added, “Unless you have better plans?”Lydia practically jumped in her seat, mouthing Say yes! Say yes!Jane smirked. “I think I can fit you into my schedule.”Bobby chuckled. “Glad to hear it. I’ll send my driver to pick you up at seven.”“Sounds perfect.”“I’ll see you tonight, then.”“You will,” Jane said, and with that, the call ended.Lydia erupted.“OH MY GOD!” She grab

107 Dylan stepped into his garage, his gaze flicking over the sleek vehicles parked inside. His prized black sports car gleamed under the dim lighting, but tonight, he wasn’t in the mood for attention. Instead, he opted for his dark gray sedan—simple, understated, and exactly what he needed.Sliding into the driver’s seat, he exhaled and started the engine. As he pulled out of the driveway, his thoughts drifted back to Helen. The look in her eyes before he left… was that disappointment? Jealousy? Or was he just imagining things?He shook his head. Focus, Dylan. It’s just dinner.The drive was smooth, city lights reflecting off his windshield as he navigated through the streets. It wasn’t long before he pulled up in front of Celeste, an upscale yet intimate restaurant known for its ambient lighting and gourmet cuisine. He handed his keys to the valet, adjusting the cuff of his shirt as he walked inside.The warm golden glow of chandeliers bathed the restaurant in a soft, inviting ligh

109 Olivia, noticing his reaction, followed his gaze toward the entrance. Then, her expression changed. She looked at him very intrigued. The air between them grew taut, the lighthearted conversation from moments ago forgotten. The restaurant noise faded into the background, leaving only the sound of Dylan’s steady, controlled breathing. Because standing at the entrance, scanning the restaurant with sharp eyes, was the last person he wanted to see tonight. Dylan’s fingers curled around the stem of his wine glass as the door clicked open. His gaze lifted instinctively, and the moment he saw who had just walked in, he felt his entire body tense. Jane. And right beside her, a massive, broad-shouldered man—Bobby. Dylan cursed under his breath. If he even had luck, it was the worst kind. Of all the people in this city, of all the restaurants, why did she have to come here? And with him? Jane was stunning as always, her dress hugging her slender frame, blonde hair styled