KIER
"You're late," my father said the moment I stepped into the dining room.
I ignored him and glanced at Genesis. She was sitting closest to him—head down, pretending her food was fascinating.
My jaw tightened. I moved to the opposite chair, sat, and shot her another look. Still nothing.
I turned to my father. "And you're still here? Thought you'd have left by now."
I smiled, but it didn't reach my eyes.
She could stare at a plate all day, but couldn't spare me one look. I wanted to grab the damn dish and toss it—just to make her see me.
"So that was your plan?" my father said, his voice suddenly sharp. "Stay behind and wait for me to leave? Or were you up to something else?"
I blinked. "What do you mean, Dad?"
He didn't answer. Just kept chewing slowly, then stood.
"We need to talk, Kier. Walk me out."
His tone was calm—too calm. The kind that always came before trouble.
I stood, but he turned to Genesis first. The moment his eyes met hers, she looked up. Instantly.
How was that fair?
She wouldn't even look at me, but one glance from him and she lit up like a match.
He cupped her cheek gently. "It was nice having dinner with you, Genesis."
She nodded, eyes soft.
"And we'll do it again," he said—like there was more behind the words.
She reached for her books, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.
"No, don't worry, child. Your face tells me everything."
Her eyes widened. I saw the tears form. She dropped her gaze again.
He smiled at her—a real one. The kind he'd never once given me.
Then he turned and walked away without even looking at me.
I followed, jaw tight.
---
Outside, a few feet from his car, he finally stopped.
"Where were you?"
"Dad—"
"I need to know before you do something stupid. I won't let you ruin that girl's life."
I exhaled slowly. "I'm not—"
"Were you involved in the fire at Randall's Casino?"
I froze. "What fire?"
He scoffed. "Don't play dumb. I saw the mark on her face."
"And you assumed it was me," I said flatly.
"Of course I did. You hated that marriage—you called it a bondage. But she swore it wasn't you. She looked terrified at the thought."
That… surprised me. But I didn't show it.
"Of course she'd say that," I said evenly. "I didn't do it."
He studied me, frowning. "She said it was Monica. And that's why I'll ask again—"
I laughed dryly. "Dad, if I'd done something, I'd have asked for your permission first." I tilted my head. "Or is this your way of giving me the green light?"
"Absolutely not," he snapped. "We'll take Monica and her sons down, but not like that. I'm glad you didn't do anything."
I smiled, polite and empty. "Of course Kier Blackwood wouldn't do such a thing."
He didn't look convinced.
"But since we're being honest," I added smoothly, "what exactly do you mean by take down Monica and her sons? Something you haven't told me about my wife?"
He sighed. "I suppose I can't keep hiding it forever. I'll tell you everything about her."
---
Later
"Where is she?"
The maid fidgeted. "S-she went upstairs, young master."
I turned and took the stairs two at a time. Something was off.
The bedroom was empty. Then I heard water.
A slow smile curved my lips.
I stripped, crossed the floor, and pushed open the shower door.
There she was—back turned, water streaming down her skin like glass.
She slicked her hair back and froze.
Before she could turn, I was already there, closing the distance.
She looked up, eyes wide.
I slid a hand around her waist, pulling her close.
"How much for a smile?" I whispered.