Chapter 44


    Marco burst intoughter, his voice rich with the timbre of experience, “What’s the matter, kiddo?


    You think I have passed his prime?”


    “Not at all,” came the reply. “In my eyes, you’re still the dashing young man you’ve always been.


    “Come on now, I’m well into my sixties; ‘dashing‘ is a young man’s game. But enough about me –


    you’re looking a bit worn out. Anders mentioned you hit a rough patch, so I thought I’d drop by and


    check on you.”


    ra couldn’t hold back the tears that had been pooling at the edges of her eyes. It had been three


    years since she’dst seen Marco, yet the moment he heard she was in trouble, he’de without


    hesitation. She was overwhelmed by his kindness and didn’t know how she could ever repay it.


    ra hung her head, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. “I’m sorry for worrying you, Marco.”


    The trio, reunited after a considerable absence, chatted merrily.


    Then, Marco’s phone rang. He nced at the caller ID and answered with a twinkle in his eye, “You


    little brat.”


    The man on the other end teased, “Hey, old man, sneaking off to Northbridge without telling me?”


    Marco took a sip of his wine, his voice warm and jovial, “Why should I tell a brat who won’t even


    greet his grand–uncle properly? And why would I, when I’ve got my favorite protégé right here?”


    “Where are you? I’lle to you.”


    “The Grand Mansion, room 808. And don’t forget to bring a box of cheesecake from Miller’s


    Bakery.”


    After hanging up, Marco gestured towards ra with a nod, “The cheesecake you love I’ve asked


    someone to fetch it for you.”


    ra didn’t really pay attention, assuming Marco had just made a call with a younger rtive.


    Half an hourter, the door to the private room swung open.n strolled in, with a box of


    cheesecake in hand.


    His expression was indifferent, and when his gazended on ra, it lingered for only a moment


    before moving on, betraying no emotion.


    He approached Marco with his usual confident stride, his voice a deep rumble, “Still


    12


    Indulging in sweets at your age? Aren’t you worried about diabetes?”


    Marco shatched the box from his hands, giving him a stern look, “Can’t an old man offer a gift?


    He ced the cheesecake in front of ra, a smile spreading across his face, “Here you go, girl.


    Enjoy your favorite.”


    “My two prized students,” Marco beamed with pride. “This one’s been in France for three years and


    is now a top–notch attorney, and this one was the belle of the ball and the brightest mind at Ivywood


    University Law School. If she entered the legal arena, she’d take the world by storm.”


    He paused deliberately, his gaze shifting nonchntly towards ra. He was curious to see her


    reaction.


    Just as he was about to say ra’s name, a pinch on his thigh stopped him. Ian’s lips. curled into


    an amused smile at the bold gesture. With a swift move, he captured the offending hand in his own,


    his touch casual yet intimate.


    His voice dropped an octave, “I can’t quite remember, but she’s impressive enough.”


    Marcoughed heartily, “Of course, thew school students are top–notch wherever they go.”


    ra tensed at his words. As she was about to speak up,n tightened his grip on her


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    wrist.


    He traced a single word on her palm.


    Behave.