Mara tensed. She looked at Dane, worried her family was pushing too hard.Dane set his chopsticks down. His face gave absolutely nothing away. "I used to be involved in business. I ran a few successful ventures and happened to cross paths with President Paige during a critical moment for her company. I helped her out of a tight spot. Right now, I'm just taking a break from the corporate world.""A break! Yes, of course! A sabbatical!" the father cheered loudly, slamming his glass on the table. "Only the truly wealthy and successful can afford to just step away and live simply! It builds character!"Mara hid a smile behind her water glass. Dane’s lie was flawless, and her parents swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.When the meal finally ended, Dane stood up from the table. "Thank you for the hospitality. It’s getting late. I should take my electric bike and head back."The stepmother’s eyes widened in sheer panic. Let this golden goose leave? Absolutely not. She rushed to the front do

She looked absolutely breathtaking. Dane had attended galas filled with supermodels and actresses, but none of them could hold a candle to Mara in this dimly lit room.Realizing he was staring, Dane violently whipped his head away, staring intensely at a crack in the far wall. Despite his legendary composure, a dark, furious flush crept up his neck and burned the tips of his ears.Mara looked down at herself, realizing what she was wearing, and hugged her arms across her chest. But then she saw Dane's red ears. A slow, teasing smile spread across her face. The heavy, nervous tension in her chest suddenly shattered."What's wrong?" Mara asked, her voice laced with sweet, playful mischief. "Why are you looking at the wall?""N-Nothing," Dane stammered, keeping his neck completely stiff. "It's just... a very nice wall."Mara let out a soft, melodic laugh. "Dane, are you blushing?""I am not blushing," Dane lied, his voice cracking slightly. "The room is just... a little warm."Mara laugh

The morning light peeked through the window blinds of the small bedroom. Dane lay perfectly still on the very edge of the mattress. Just a few inches away, Mara was fast asleep.She was curled up on her side, facing him. Her breathing was soft and steady, and her face was completely relaxed. Without the heavy weight of her family's crushing expectations, she looked so peaceful.Dane watched her, feeling a massive, overwhelming wave of warmth flood his chest. He slowly pushed himself up, being extra careful not to make the old bed springs squeak. He leaned over. He gently brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face and pressed a soft, lingering peck to her warm forehead."I will give you everything," he whispered into the quiet room. His cheap phone buzzed near the cupboard where he had dropped it last night. It was President Paige. He immediately slipped out of the room, quickly into the kitchen careful not to disturb her sleep. "Boss," President Paige's voice came through the

The private executive elevator shot up to the top floor. When the polished silver doors finally slid open, Paige led Dane down a wide, heavily guarded hallway and pushed open the heavy double doors to the CEO's main office.The room was absolutely massive, a true testament to the crushing wealth of Mercer Group. Floor-to-ceiling windows made up the entire back wall, offering a dizzying, unobstructed view of the entire city skyline below.Dane walked straight past the expensive designer guest couches and went directly to the massive mahogany desk. He sat down heavily in the high-backed leather chair. Even dressed in his faded jeans and a plain, unbranded jacket, he looked perfectly at home. The chair belonged to him. The building belonged to him. He was the king returning to his throne.Paige didn't sit. She stood respectfully on the other side of the desk, standing perfectly straight. She opened a thick, leather-bound portfolio and immediately went into her highly efficient profession

Paige stood firmly in front of the door like a brick wall. She didn't flinch. She knew Dane absolutely hated having his real identity exposed, especially to annoying, greedy people like this. It was her job to protect him."The Boss is not here," Paige lied smoothly. She kept her face completely blank and professional. "The person sitting inside my office right now is just a personal friend. We are having a private meeting. You need to leave."None of the three believed her for a single second.Vance sneered, his face turning incredibly ugly with deep greed and jealousy. "Just a friend? Right. The Boss doesn't know you are using your executive power for your own personal gain, does he? You are funneling Mercer Group money to beggars! I must meet the Boss in person today. I am going to expose your true colors!"Lana eagerly nodded in agreement. A hot, excited blush rushed to her cheeks. She suddenly remembered the massive VIP banquet from the other day. She had spent hours picking out