Adrian stood before a polished black headstone, his gaze fixed on the familiar name engraved into the stone.Richard Nightingale, his father.The man who had taught him everything. Since he was back, he had come here to pay his respects with a flower in hand and a bottle of his father’s favorite wine—a bottle of his father's favorite whisky, a twenty-five-year-old Macallan scotch whisky.Years had passed since his father's death, yet Adrian still remembered the phone call that changed everything.A tragic accident. He never believed it was that simple. The driver was never even found. Adrian had always believed that his father’s death was planned.Something about the circumstances never felt right.For years, he had hired private investigators to get to the bottom of it, but every trail led to the same end.Nothing.As though someone had erased every clue before it could be found.The cemetery was silent except for the wind. Adrian slowly uncapped a bottle of his father's favorite liqu

The attendant disappeared through the glass door, clutching Adrian’s black card. From Adrian's guess she wanted to verify it with their manager. Adrian just looked amused. He couldn't wait to see the expression on their faces when they realized the truth but it was something else. He didn't want to reveal his identity just yet and that was the reason he told Emilia to keep it hidden. Everyone stared at him but Adrian sat calmly in the waiting chair near the front display, one leg slightly crossed, expression unreadable.After the sales attendant had left there was silence for a few minutes. Marcus who wore a smug smile on his face finally broke the silence first after staring at him with a smug smileHe walked a few steps closer, hands in his pockets, wearing a smug smile that didn’t reach his eyes."You should start confessing already," Marcus said casually.Adrian glanced up. He still had somewhere to go. Since he had divorced Vanessa he planned to make a stop in the city and c

Adrian adjusted his suit as he looked watched the city below from the balcony. After he left the store he had seen a text from Emilia that a hotel reserve and a car was ready for him. Once he was done he went down to the Escalade and a while later he pulled up at the grand entrance of Westbrook city Gala. Adrian straightened his suit jacket as he stepped out. The charcoal-black suit fit perfectly just as expected.Adrian adjusted his cufflinks and glanced briefly at the line of luxury vehicles parked outside.Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Maybachs and even a few limited-edition supercars.No one really noticed him. A faint smile tugged at his lips. This was the life he was once used to before he stepped away from the spotlight. Maybe after this, I should finally get a car of my own. He thought to himself.The thought amused him.For years, he had never cared much about appearances but now that he was stepping back into this world, perhaps it was time.He handed the driver a tip and hea

The grand ballroom buzzed with conversation.Crystal chandeliers illuminated the hall while influential businessmen and socialites mingled beneath them.Yet Adrian's attention wasn't on any of that.He glanced around briefly before turning to Emilia. "Where's my mother?"Emilia smiled faintly.“She wanted to see you come, I'll take you there."Adrian wasn't surprised. His mother had never enjoyed crowded events.Even when she attended them, she preferred private lounges away from unnecessary attention.Emilia motioned toward a restricted corridor.The two walked past several security checkpoints before reaching a private wing reserved exclusively for the highest-ranking guests.Two black-suited bodyguards standing outside a set of double doors immediately stepped aside.The doors opened and they both entered. He saw her.Catherine Nightingale.She sat calmly on a cream-colored sofa with a cup of tea in hand.Her posture was elegant and effortless.The kind of elegance that came not j

The gala was gradually winding down.Many of the important guests had already begun leaving, while others remained in small groups discussing business opportunities and future partnerships.Adrian stood near one of the side corridors and Emilia walked beside him."Heading back already?" she asked.Adrian nodded."I've had enough socializing for one night."A faint smile appeared on Emilia's face."Going back to the hotel?""Yeah."The two continued walking toward one of the quieter exits.Just as they reached the doorway, a familiar voice suddenly called out."Adrian."Both of them stopped and Adrian frowned slightly.Vanessa stood several feet away.She had clearly been waiting.The silver evening gown she wore earlier was still stunning, but there was a tension on her face that hadn't been there before.Emilia glanced between the two of them."I'll wait outside."Without waiting for a response, she walked ahead and left through the doors.Vanessa crossed her arms."So this is your p