Charlotte’s heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic urge to bolt seizing her the moment the manager beckoned. But he had called her "Felicity," the name of the janitor she was impersonating. With every eye in the room now trained on her, a sudden exit would be more than suspicious—it would be an admission of guilt. Gritting her teeth, she kept her head low and approached the table.

"The wine’s spilled, Felicity. Clean it up, and be quick about it," the manager barked.

"Okay," Charlotte whispered, her voice barely audible. She began gathering the jagged glass shards, her hair falling forward like a curtain to shield her face.

Nearby, Zachary had already stood up. He was fastidiously wiping a crimson wine stain from his hand with a wet tissue, his expression one of mild annoyance.

"Will you be changing clothes, Mr. Nacht? I can accompany you," Ben proposed, ever the attentive assistant.

"No. It’s just the coat." Zachary shrugged the garment off and tossed it carelessly to Ben before returning to his seat, picking up a fresh glass of wine.

"Whoa, look at those muscles!" Jamie’s eyes widened with genuine excitement as he took in Zachary’s toned physique. "What’s your routine, Boss? You look like a tank!"

Charlotte’s hand froze for a split second. Boss? Why is Jamie calling him 'Boss'? What has happened while I wasn't looking?

"Boxing," Zachary answered curtly, though a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.

"You box? What’s your specialty?" Jamie’s interest was fully piqued. He dropped his cutlery with a clatter, leaning forward in anticipation.

"I know everything," Zachary replied with the calm confidence of a man who didn't need to brag.

"Really? Then spar with me when I’m back on my feet!" Jamie, a lifelong lover of martial arts, was practically vibrating with energy.

"You? Spar with me?" Zachary let out a short, dry laugh. "Boy, I could take you down with one finger."

"As if!" Jamie puckered his lips, swinging his small fists through the air. "My leg is messed up right now, but once I heal, you’re in for it."

"We’ll see." Zachary took a slow sip of his wine, not even bothering to look at the boy, yet the lack of dismissal in his tone spoke volumes.

On the other side of the table, Ellie was busy charming the elder Nacht. She handed Henry a piece of candy, her smile dazzling. "We’re starting at the kindergarten tomorrow, Mr. Henry. We aren't allowed to wear our smartwatches in class, but you can call us the second school is out. That is... if you’re going to miss us, anyway."

"Not allowed to wear them?" Henry’s brow furrowed into a deep scowl. "What if you go missing again like last time? That's ridiculous."

"I don't know. The teacher just said they aren't allowed." Ellie turned her attention back to her cherry ice cream, her expression pensive.

"What is the name of this school?" Henry asked.

"Apple Kindergarten!" Ellie held up a small, red apple and grinned. "Just like this!"

"I see." Henry shot a meaningful look at Spencer. His loyal subordinate understood the silent command instantly and slipped away to "handle" the school’s regulations.

"You shouldn't spoil them so much," Zachary commented, seeing right through his grandfather’s intentions.

"Bite me, then," Henry snapped back, his affection for the children clearly overriding his usual sternness.

Zachary didn't push it. Instead, he shot a sideways glance at the 'janitor' cleaning the floor before turning back to Henry with a sneer. "If you love them so much, why don't you just take them home with you? Their current place is tiny. They probably can't even turn around without hitting a wall."

Charlotte’s hand trembled so violently she nearly dropped the glass shards. No, no, no... please, kids, don't say yes!

"That’s a grand idea," Henry agreed, his eyes lighting up. "Why don't you kids come stay at my place? I can give you a ride to school every day in a big car, and I’ll be there to pick you up too."

"Really? Can we?" Ellie chirped without a second of hesitation, rubbing her pudgy hands together in glee. "Can we come back here after school is out?"

"Of course you can." Henry nodded, his heart melting. He turned to Jamie. "And I’ll hire a professional boxing coach just for you. You can learn whatever style you want."

"Seriously? Cool!" Jamie punched the air, his earlier defiance replaced by pure excitement. "Can I learn Taekwondo then?"

"No problem at all. I’ll get the best coach in the country." Henry began to signal Spencer again, ready to move heaven and earth for his newfound favorites.