Noah’s The words on Adrian’s phone wouldn’t leave my mind.
Tell Noah to remember what happened two years ago.
I had spent two years trying not to remember.
Now the past seemed determined to find me.
The meeting ended shortly afterward.
Professor Hale left through a private entrance, while Adrian stayed behind to speak with his security team.
I stood near the window, staring at the city below.
I should have been thinking about Project E-17.
Instead, I was thinking about Ethan.
If whoever was behind this discovered the truth, they wouldn’t just come after me.
They could come after my son.
“You’re coming with me.” I turned around.
Adrian stood near the door.
“Where?” “My family is having dinner tonight.” I blinked.
“What does that have to do with me?” “They’re expecting me to bring someone.” I immediately shook my head.
“No.” He raised an eyebrow.
“You haven’t even heard the rest.” “I don’t need to.” “My mother knows you’re working with me.” “That’s exactly why I shouldn’t go.” “She wants to meet you.” I stared at him.
“Why?” “Because she’s my mother.” “That’s not an answer.” “It’s the only one I have.” I crossed my arms.
“Adrian, I don’t belong at an Ashford family dinner.” His expression stayed calm.
“You work for an Ashford company.” “That’s different.” “Not to my mother.” I sighed.
“You make everything sound so simple.” “It usually is.” “Your life must be very peaceful.” For the first time, a faint smile crossed his face.
“It isn’t.” I looked away before I could smile too.
Then my phone buzzed.
A message from the daycare.
Mr.
Everhart, Ethan has been asking about you.
He seems a little unsettled today.
My chest tightened.
“I need to see Ethan.” Adrian nodded.
“I’ll take you.” “No.
I’ll go myself.” He studied me for a moment.
“Fine.” I grabbed my bag.
As I reached the door, he spoke again.
“Bring Ethan to dinner.” I stopped.
“What?” “My family would like to meet him.” My heart skipped.
“Absolutely not.” “Why?” “Because Ethan doesn’t need to be involved in your family’s problems.” “He isn’t.” “Not yet.” Adrian’s expression turned serious.
“Noah, my family isn’t dangerous.” I almost laughed.
“You have no idea how that sounds.” He looked at me for several seconds.
Then he said quietly, “You’re right.” I wasn’t expecting that.
He stepped aside, letting me pass.
“Just think about it.” I left without answering.
I picked Ethan up from daycare before sunset.
He ran into my arms the moment he saw me.
“Daddy!” I hugged him tightly.
“Hey, baby.” “I missed you.” “I missed you too.” His teacher approached us.
“He’s been a little quiet today.” I frowned.
“Why?” “He kept asking when you were coming.” I looked down at Ethan.
“Did something happen?” He shook his head.
“No.” I touched his hair.
“Are you sure?” “Yes.” Then he looked up at me.
“Are we going home?” I hesitated.
“Not exactly.” “Where?” I thought about Adrian’s invitation.
I had no intention of taking Ethan into that family.
But I also knew avoiding Adrian’s family forever would become impossible if Adrian stayed part of our lives.
And I wasn’t ready for that.
“Somewhere for dinner.” Ethan smiled.
“Can I have pancakes?” I laughed softly.
“Maybe.” By the time we reached the Ashford estate, the sun had almost disappeared.
I stared through the car window at the enormous gates.
I still couldn’t understand how Adrian had grown up in a place like this.
Ethan pressed his face against the glass.
“It’s big.” “Very.” “Is Uncle Adrian a king?” I almost laughed.
“No.” “Then why is his house bigger than ours?” “Because his family has a lot of money.” “Oh.” He considered that for a moment.
“Can they buy dinosaurs?” I covered my mouth.
“I’m sure they could.” The gates opened.
The car moved slowly up the long driveway.
My stomach tightened with every second.
I didn’t belong here.
I knew that.
But I also knew I couldn’t turn around anymore.
The front doors opened before we reached them.
Adrian was waiting.
He wore a dark suit, his expression as controlled as ever.
Then his eyes moved to Ethan.
Something softened in his face.
“You’re here.” Ethan smiled.
“Uncle Adrian!” He reached toward him.
I hesitated.
Adrian looked at me.
I finally let Ethan go.
He ran toward Adrian.
Adrian crouched and caught him easily.
“Did you behave today?” “Yes.” “Your father agrees?” Ethan looked at me.
“Daddy?” I nodded.
“He was good.” Adrian smiled.
“Then you can come inside.” I watched them walk toward the house together.
For a strange moment, they looked like they belonged beside each other.
I quickly pushed the thought away.
This was only dinner.
Nothing more.
I followed them inside.
The moment I entered the dining room, I felt every pair of eyes turn toward me.
Evelyn Ashford sat at the head of the table.
Beside her was Celeste.
Julian sat across from them, looking far more relaxed than everyone else.
Evelyn’s silver-gray eyes moved from me to Ethan.
She studied us carefully.
Then she looked at Adrian.
“Adrian.” “Mother.” Her gaze returned to me.
“So this is Noah Everhart.” I nodded politely.
“Good evening, Mrs.
Ashford.” “Sit.” Her voice was calm but commanding.
I sat beside Ethan.
Adrian took the seat next to me.
Julian leaned forward with a curious smile.
“So you’re the Noah we’ve been hearing about.” I looked at him.
“Hopefully nothing bad.” Julian laughed.
“Not at all.” Evelyn gave him a warning look.
He immediately leaned back.
Celeste smiled warmly.
“Welcome, Noah.” “Thank you.” Her gaze fell on Ethan.
“And this handsome little boy must be your son.” I nodded.
“Yes.
His name is Ethan.” Celeste’s expression softened.
“He’s adorable.” Ethan smiled shyly.
“Thank you.” Julian looked at him.
“Do you like dinosaurs?” Ethan’s eyes widened.
“Yes!” Julian grinned.
“Then we’re going to get along.” I couldn’t help smiling.
The atmosphere seemed lighter than I’d expected.
Until Evelyn spoke.
“Adrian.” He looked at her.
“We need to discuss your engagement.” My smile disappeared.
Ethan kept eating, completely unaware.
Adrian’s expression turned cold.
“Not tonight.” “It needs to be discussed.” “I said not tonight.” Evelyn’s eyes shifted toward me.
Then toward Ethan.
Something unreadable crossed her expression.
“This is precisely why it needs to be discussed.” I lowered my gaze.
I suddenly wished I had never agreed to come.
The moment Evelyn mentioned Adrian’s engagement, the warmth in the room disappeared.
I kept my eyes on Ethan.
He was happily eating, completely unaware of the tension surrounding the adults.
Adrian set his fork down.
“Mother, I said not tonight.” Evelyn didn’t move.
“And I heard you.” “Then why are we still discussing it?” “Because avoiding the subject doesn’t make it disappear.” Julian quietly looked between them.
Celeste sighed.
“Evelyn, perhaps this conversation can wait.” “It has already waited long enough.” Adrian leaned back in his chair.
“I’ve made my position clear.” “You’ve made nothing clear except that you’re refusing to cooperate.” “I don’t need to cooperate with a decision concerning my personal life.” Evelyn’s expression hardened.
“You are the future head of this family.” “And?” “And your decisions affect more than yourself.” I felt increasingly uncomfortable.
This wasn’t my conversation.
I shouldn’t even be sitting here.
I reached for Ethan’s glass.
“Careful, sweetheart.” He nodded and kept eating.
Evelyn noticed the movement.
Her eyes settled on me again.
“You’ve been working closely with my son.” I nodded.
“Yes.” “How long?” “Only recently.” “And before that?” I hesitated.
“Before that, I worked at the university.” “I know.” Something about the way she said it made me uncomfortable.
She knew more than she was saying.
Adrian noticed too.
“Mother.” “I’m simply asking questions.” “You’re interrogating him.” Evelyn looked at her son.
“Am I?” “Yes.” Julian suddenly cleared his throat.
“Can we please eat before someone starts throwing plates?” Celeste gave him a look.
“Julian.” “What?
I’m trying to help.” Despite myself, I almost laughed.
Adrian glanced at me.
For a brief moment, our eyes met.
Then Ethan spoke.
“Uncle Adrian.” “Yes?” “Do you have a mommy?” Julian immediately looked away, clearly trying not to laugh.
Adrian blinked.
“Yes.” “Where is she?” Evelyn answered before Adrian could.
“I’m here.” Ethan looked at her curiously.
“Are you his mommy?” Evelyn’s expression softened slightly.
“Yes.” Ethan nodded.
“You’re pretty.” The entire table went quiet.
Then Celeste laughed softly.
“He’s very honest.” Evelyn actually smiled.
“Thank you, Ethan.” Ethan returned to his food.
I looked at him fondly.
He had no idea that he had just melted the most intimidating woman in the room.
Then Julian leaned closer to me.
“He’s adorable.” “Thank you.” “How old is he?” “Two.” Julian glanced toward Adrian.
“Two?” My stomach tightened.
“Yes.” Julian looked back at Ethan.
“That’s a cute age.” I nodded.
Adrian said nothing.
But I noticed his eyes had moved toward Ethan.
Again.
That same thoughtful expression crossed his face.
I knew what he was thinking.
The timing.
The resemblance.
The questions.
I suddenly felt trapped.
I needed to leave.
I leaned toward Adrian.
“Can I speak with you?” He immediately stood.
“Of course.” We stepped into the hallway.
The moment we were alone, I whispered, “I shouldn’t have come.” “Why?” “Your mother is asking questions.” “She asks everyone questions.” “Not like that.” Adrian studied me.
“You don’t have to worry about her.” “Easy for you to say.” He lowered his voice.
“Noah, my mother’s opinion doesn’t control my life.” I stared at him.
“Then what about the engagement?” His expression changed.
“You heard that.” “It’s hard not to.” “I haven’t agreed to anything.” “But your family expects you to.” “Yes.” I looked away.
“Then maybe I shouldn’t be around you.” His eyebrows drew together.
“Why would you say that?” “Because I don’t want to become another problem for you.” “You aren’t.” “You don’t know that.” “I know exactly what I mean.” His voice softened.
“You aren’t a problem.” I looked at him.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then Adrian’s eyes dropped briefly toward my neck.
The scent-blocking patch was still there.
His gaze lingered for a second.
“Are you feeling alright?” “I’m fine.” “Your scent has changed again.” I instinctively touched the patch.
“My cycle is getting closer.” “Then you shouldn’t stay too long.” “I’m not going to leave Ethan here alone.” “You don’t have to.” He paused.
“You can take him home after dinner.” I nodded.
“Thank you.” We returned to the dining room.
But before I could sit down, Evelyn spoke.
“Noah.” I turned.
“Yes?” “Would you mind joining me for a moment?” Adrian immediately stepped forward.
“Mother—” “It’s only a conversation.” I looked at Adrian.
He didn’t seem pleased.
Still, I nodded.
“Of course.” Evelyn led me into a quiet sitting room.
She closed the door behind us.
For a few seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then she turned toward me.
“I’ll be direct.” I waited.
“Adrian has never been interested in relationships.” I said nothing.
“He has always placed his work first.
His research, his company, his responsibilities.” “I understand.” “But recently, he has started behaving differently.” My heart skipped.
“I don’t think that’s because of me.” Evelyn studied me carefully.
“Perhaps.” She walked toward the window.
“Adrian’s engagement has already been discussed with another family.” I looked down.
“I see.” “He has not accepted it.” “Then that’s his decision.” Her gaze returned to me.
“You’re right.” I was surprised.
“But?” “But I need to know what your intentions are toward my son.” My heart began pounding.
“I don’t have any.” It was the safest answer.
Evelyn’s expression remained unreadable.
“Are you certain?” “Yes.” She watched me for several seconds.
Then she said quietly, “Because Adrian may not be as certain as you are.” My breath caught.
Before I could respond, the door opened.
Adrian stood there.
His expression was cold.
“That’s enough, Mother.” Evelyn didn’t argue.
She simply looked between us.
Then she walked past him.
I remained frozen.
Adrian stepped into the room.
“Are you alright?” I nodded.
“Yes.” He studied my face.
“She didn’t threaten you?” “No.” “Did she say something?” I hesitated.
“She asked about your engagement.” His jaw tightened.
“I’m sorry.” “You don’t have to apologize for your family.” “I do when they make you uncomfortable.” I looked at him.
“You really don’t have to protect me from everything.” “I know.” He paused.
“But I want to.” My heart skipped.
I quickly looked away.
From the dining room, Ethan’s laughter echoed through the house.
Adrian glanced toward the sound.
Then he looked back at me.
“Let’s go.” I nodded.
As we returned to the dining room, I noticed Evelyn watching us.
Her expression was impossible to read.
But I had the uncomfortable feeling that tonight hadn’t been a simple family dinner.
It had been a test.
And somehow, I wasn’t sure who had passed it.
Evelyn has officially met Noah, and let’s just say she is already watching him closely.
And that engagement conversation?
Yeah… Adrian is definitely going to have a problem with his family.
But did you notice how Adrian immediately stepped in when he realized Noah was uncomfortable?
And Ethan calling Evelyn pretty?!
That little boy has no idea how powerful his charm is.
We’re only getting started with the Ashford family, and there’s still so much Noah doesn’t know about them.
Every bit of support helps me continue the story.
See you in Chapter 12!
— Ari1