Shane Prescott remained silent, his intense gaze fixed on Victor Sullivan's face.

Victor scanned the surroundings.

The hotel lobby was sparsely populated, with only the occasional drunkard staggering past. No one paid them any attention.

He took a deep breath and moved closer to Shane.

Resting an arm on Shane's shoulder, Victor turned to Vincent Valentine with a smirk. "Care to guess our relationship?"

Vincent squinted through his drunken haze, studying the two men.

The age gap between them ruled out a fraternal bond.

A fleeting thought crossed his mind, but he dismissed it immediately.

Shane's features were rugged and dark, while Victor had the distinctive almond-shaped eyes of the Sullivan lineage.

One was untamed wilderness, the other polished sophistication.

Vincent forced a smile. "Is Shane related to Mrs. Sullivan's family?"

Victor nearly blurted out the truth.

At the last second, he swallowed his words.

"Our connection runs deeper than you imagine," Victor said meaningfully. "Don't underestimate him."

Vincent nodded repeatedly. "She's my only daughter. I just want her with someone reliable."

The words struck a nerve.

Memories of Natalie being whisked away by Alexander Valentine made Victor's eyes sting.

"Every father feels that way," Victor sighed. "No one ever seems good enough for your little girl."

Vincent nodded in agreement. "Too soft and they won't listen. Too harsh and you're the villain."

Shane cleared his throat.

Victor quickly steered the conversation back. "You can trust Shane's character."

Vincent outwardly acquiesced while inwardly sneering.

What morals could a tomb raider possibly have?

Would Victor ever allow his own daughter to marry such a man?

When Shane turned toward the buffet, Victor felt a pang in his chest.

"Wait!" He pulled out his wallet. "Take this. The PIN is Natalie's birthday."

Shane's expression darkened instantly. "I don't need it."

The gesture felt like a deliberate humiliation in front of Luna.

Victor awkwardly withdrew his hand. "Come to me if you're short on funds."

"Won't happen." Shane took Luna's hand and walked away.

At the buffet, Shane piled his plate with a dozen delicate pastries.

Luna raised an eyebrow. "You have a sweet tooth?"

"Never had these as a kid," Shane replied flatly.

Birthday cakes had been a luxury in his childhood.

Her heart softened. She returned with an armful of desserts. "I'll make them for you someday."

"You know how?"

"Watched my mom do it."

The corner of Shane's mouth lifted as he took her hand.

When their fingers intertwined, his pulse quickened.

Outside the restaurant, a bodyguard respectfully presented car keys.

"A gift from Chairman Sullivan."

Shane immediately offered them to Luna. "You drive."

The bodyguard's eyes widened.

A million-dollar luxury car, given away so casually?

Luna laughed and declined. "Too flashy for me."

"Then hold onto them for me," Shane insisted.

The celestial ceiling inside the car glittered brilliantly.

Even Luna couldn't help admiring it. "Stunning."

After familiarizing himself with the controls, Shane started the engine.

The roar of the motor resembled a beast's growl.

Other vehicles hastily made way.

"Impressive safety features," Luna teased.

But Shane missed his old SUV.

That spacious backseat had been perfect for certain activities...

Realizing where his thoughts had wandered, his ears burned.

A sidelong glance at Luna only made his heart pound faster.

When they reached her home, Shane hesitated.

Understanding, Luna pecked his cheek.

The kiss ignited him.

In one motion, he pulled her onto his lap.

As their lips met, his hands found her waist.

The contact sent shivers through him.

Only Luna's warning about approaching footsteps prevented things from escalating.

Gazing at her flushed cheeks, Shane's Adam's apple bobbed.

This woman would be the death of him.