At the airport, Alessia scrolled through her phone, fighting off boredom. Only when people started streaming out of the arrivals gate did she finally put her phone away and nce inside, searching the crowd. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait long before she spotted the person she’de to pick up.


    “What are you doing here?” Cole’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw her, the fatigue on his face melting away. He quickened his pace and strode straight toward Alessia.


    Larkin, seemingly used to the routine, grabbed Cole’s suitcase, gave Alessia a brief wave from a distance, and headed out.


    “I wanted to see you, so I came.” Alessia opened her arms with an easy familiarity, and Cole wrapped her up in a hug just as naturally. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and let out a long, weary sigh.


    “Tough trip, huh? I could spot those dark circles from a mile away.”


    “Try spending hours talking to a room full of self–important old men who think it’s their job to judge every move you make. Honestly, every minute I was tempted to punch someone in the face.”


    “Want me to get you some stress balls?” Alessia offered out of nowhere, making them bothugh.


    Cole straightened up, cupping her face in his hands and giving her head a gentle shake. “Then you’d better get me a robe and some prayer beads–might as well join a monastery at this point.”


    “No problem. I’ll make sure our dear Mr. Whitley is all set up by tomorrow,” she


    teased.


    Cole ruffled her hair, eyes brimming with affection.


    “Have you eaten yet?”


    Alessia shook her head. “Stopped by A&C Entertainment this morning, and after I finished up there, I came straight here.”


    “Come on, let’s get some food.” Alessia nodded, and the two of themced their fingers together as they walked out of the airport.


    After dinner, the evening was still young.


    “So, where to now?” Cole had gotten his driver’s license as soon as he turned eighteen.


    <b>1/3 </b>


    14:47


    “Nothing else on my te today. You’re visiting your mom, right? I’ll go with you.”


    Alessia fumbled with her seatbelt, distracted, and after a couple of failed attempts, Cole leaned over, patiently untangled it, and clicked it into ce.


    The car started up, everything unfolding with the ease of long–standing habit, as if they’d done this a hundred times before.


    The familiar suburban streets seemed to quiet them both.


    “Sir. Miss Morton.” The butler was waiting at the door. Cole asked about the house and his mother’s condition, then let the butler get back to her duties.


    Alessia nced at the woman resting in bed before moving over to give her a gentle massage. Cole didn’t interrupt; he simply poured a ss of water, set it on the bedside table for Alessia, and then sat on the other side to help with the


    massage.


    “That should be enough. The doctor just finished her acupuncture session not long ago; the next one won’t be for another month.” Alessia tucked Jade’s arm under the nket and made sure she wasfortable before standing up.


    “Okay.” As soon as Cole entered his mother’s room, his mood plummeted. Alessia didn’t say anything, just patted his shoulder.


    Cole caught her hand for a moment, ying with her fingers, managing a weak smile. Alessia said nothing, just ruffled his hair and slipped out.


    Now it was just Cole and Jade, asleep in her bed. He sat in silence, holding her hand and staring out the window. He didn’t move until thest trace of sunlight faded and the room slipped into darkness.


    “Two years… Hard to believe I’ve managed for two years.” His voice was quiet, but in the hush of the room, every word was clear, including the long, weary sigh that followed. “Running thepany is more exhausting than I ever imagined. I’m sorry I made you and Dad worry so much back then.”


    On the drive home, Alessia filled Cole in on everything that had happened over the past couple of days.


    “So, if Mr. Dawson and Attorney Calvert are willing to take them on as protégés, these kids must be promising. Are you nning to build up some new connections?”


    “Someone’s got to find the next generation, right? No point letting that talent go to waste.”


    <b>14:47 </b>


    “What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”


    “I need to take Ivan to meet Eddie.”


    At the mention of that name, Cole couldn’t help but make a face, but he let it go withoutment.