"Kids are like that. We were wild and caused trouble too when we were young—


    it''s just their nature," Zachary said. "As long as they don''t get into serious trouble,


    it''s fine. Causing a little chaos at home is normal."


    He never tried to suppress his children. He believed in letting them be themselves


    and giving them space to grow naturally.


    Joshughed. "My parents still spoil Milo like crazy. Zachary, you have no idea


    how strong the bond between grandparents and grandkids is. When I used to


    mess up as a kid, first my dad would spank me, then my mom would take a turn,


    and then they''d team up. I got disciplined all the way until my teens. Once I got


    older and more sensible, they switched to lecturing instead of hitting."


    Who would''ve thought his parents—polished and elegant in public—used to be so


    strict when it came to disciplining him?


    Zachary chuckled. "Your worst beating was probably during New Year''s. Your


    parents were still asleep when you snuck into their room with a string of


    firecrackers. You lit them and threw them onto their bed. They were scared half to


    death. The quilt was full of burn holes."


    "You almost burned the house down. Tell me, did you not deserve that beating?"


    Josh''s face turned red as heughed. "I barely even remember why I got beat up


    that day, but you remember every detail. Your memory''s better than mine."


    "Kids are like that," Zachary said. "They remember getting punished but forget


    why."


    "You shouldn''t me Milo too much. Like father, like son. You were a handful, and


    now he''s following in your footsteps. Just now, River said my son, Baby, is the


    most mischievous when he''s around his cousins. Apparently, he''s got even more


    tricks than I did. The student has outdone the master."


    Joshughed. "We were all like that once. It helps us understand our kids better.


    Don''t me them—me us for passing on those wild genes."


    Zachary shut down hisputer, stood up, and said, "Alright, let''s go eat.


    Serenity''sing home the day after tomorrow, but she''ll need time to rest when


    she gets back."


    "I get it, I get it," Josh replied with a teasing grin.


    Zachary gave him a yful kick, which Josh quickly dodged.


    The two men walked out of the office, joking andughing.


    But once they stepped outside, their expressions shifted.


    Josh was still his usual approachable self, smiling as always.


    But Zachary''s demeanor changedpletely. His handsome features grew cold


    and serious, and he radiated amanding presence. As the father of two, he


    couldn''t afford to let his guard down in public. He maintained his aloof, no-


    nonsense image—and always brought a security team with him.


    The older he got, the moremanding he became.


    He wasn''t that old yet—but he was mature, masculine, and still drew admiration


    from plenty of young women.


    Even girls in theirte teens and early twenties were bold enough to try pursuing


    him. Of course, reality would eventually p them awake.


    Zachary York was famously devoted to his wife. No one except Serenity would


    ever experience his tenderness.


    When love rivals showed up topete, Serenity didn''t even bother responding.


    She didn''t consider them a threat. To her, it was a waste of time.


    No one could take Zachary from her.


    Just minutes after they left York Corporation, their convoy was forced to a sudden


    stop.


    A bold young woman had run into the street, arms spread wide, blocking the lead


    bodyguard car.