Of course. Who in their right mind would risk everything for someone just because they''d heard them y a single song?


    The more Rachel got to know Joshua Gardner, the more she realized something was very wrong with him.


    To put it in modern terms, he was the very definition of a possessive, dangerous obsessive.


    One moment, he''d be smiling gently, the picture of charm.


    The next, he''d turn ice-cold and ruthless, disposing of anyone who stood in his way.


    He could switch from angel to monster faster than flipping a page.


    And if there was one thing Joshua Gardner hated above all, it was being lied to.


    If he ever discovered Rachel wasn''t telling the truth, her life would be a living hell.


    He might have the face of an angel, but whenever she looked at him, all Rachel could feel was fear-never anything close to affection.


    No wonder he seemed so starved for love. Who could ever love a man like that?


    Once Rachel uncovered his true nature, she couldn''t get out of the country fast enough.


    Haynes, for all his ws, was at least a normal man. He was married now, even had a child-but at least he was sane.


    So, whether it was for the sake of her own future, or in hopes that Haynes might protect her if Joshua Gardner ever found out the truth, Rachel was determined to marry Haynes. She had to.


    The Williams family estate.


    Jonathan held an embossed invitation and knocked on the door to the study. Inside, Skyler was carefully wiping dust from the ss of an old photo album. Jonathan nced at the photograph on disy.


    It was his mother, Nora.


    "Do you need something?" Skyler didn''t even look up, lost in bittersweet memories, his face softened by nostalgia.


    Jonathan pulled his gaze away and spoke in an even tone. "Mr. Burton sent an invitation. He''s hosting a birthday celebration at the end of the month."


    Skyler''s brow twitched ever so slightly. "Mr. Burton... I haven''t heard from him in years. He and my father were old friends from the war. We can''t exactly refuse his invitation."


    "The event''s in Neo-Vespera," Jonathan reminded him. "Raven''s living there now as well."


    Skyler set the album aside. "Perfect. We''ll bring Raven home while we''re there." Something seemed to ur to him, and he looked up.


    "Have you prepared a gift for my grandson?"


    Jonathan hesitated. "Father, are you sure you want to give Keen five percent of thepany''s shares?"


    Skyler replied, "Keen is my grandson, and the first child born to this generation of the Williams family. Giving him a small share is only right."


    In recent years, Skyler had gradually loosened his grip on the business.


    Jonathan, along with Israel and Coleman, were more than capable. There was no need for Skyler to shoulder everything himself anymore.


    Truthfully, he could have retired long ago-except... he''d been alone for so long, the idea of stepping aside entirely just felt hollow.


    Learning that Ste had a child made him genuinely happy.


    Ste looked so much like Nora; no doubt her child would too.


    He remembered theirst anniversary trip, he and Nora dreaming together about what retirement would look like.


    But fate had other ns. He''d fallen overboard, lost his memory, and nothing had been the same since.


    Jonathan''s voice pulled him from his reverie.


    "But Raven and Haynes are divorced. Raven has custody of Keen. If you give Keen those shares, it''s basically giving them to Haynes."


    Skyler said calmly, "Let him have them."


    Jonathan was taken aback. "Father..."


    Skyler smiled, looking up. "I intend to win custody of Keen for our family. If Haynes is willing, then consider the shares a gift to him. After all, he''s


    Keen'' father. Making an enemy out of him would only hurt Keenan the end."


    Jonathan hadn''t expected Skyler to have this in mind.


    "Keen is the future heir of the O''Brien future Group. Haynes might not give him up so easily. Even if we try to get custody, we might not win.


    vel


    Neo-Vespera is their territon


    the


    Williams family''s influence doesn''t reach that far."


    Skyler nodded, "Haynes is a smart man. He''ll know what''s best. If he''s willing, that''s ideal. If not, so be it.


    Since we''re bringing Raven homet


    have Srael, Coleman, and Aurora clear their schedules. I want them toe with me to Neo-Vespera." Cóntent


    Jonathan was quiet for a moment. "Understood."


    He was about to leave when Skyler suddenly called him back.