THE TYCOON’S SHIELD

The morning sun shone brightly through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sunrise Bistro, filling the restaurant with warm golden light. The polished wooden floors gleamed beneath the sunlight, and the soft hum of conversation blended with the clinking of cutlery and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Customers filled many of the tables despite the early hour. Some were enjoying breakfast before work, while others sat reading newspapers or discussing business matters over steaming cups of coffee. Near one of the large windows sat Henry Blackwood and his father, Rupert Blackwood. Their table overlooked the busy city street outside. Cars moved steadily through traffic while pedestrians hurried along the pavement, eager to begin their day. Rupert adjusted his glasses as he studied several reports spread across the table before him. Even in his sixties, he remained sharp, disciplined, and deeply involved in the operations of Blackwood Holdings. Across from him sat Henry. Tall, handsome, and impeccably dressed in a tailored navy suit, Henry had become one of the youngest and most successful CEOs in the country. Confidence came naturally to him. Whether negotiating multimillion-pound deals or addressing company executives, he always seemed completely in control. "The latest numbers look excellent," Rupert said as he reviewed one of the reports. Henry sipped his coffee. "They should." Rupert looked up. "Confident as always." "The renovation cost a fortune," Henry replied. "If customer satisfaction wasn't improving, I'd be concerned." Rupert chuckled. "You've always enjoyed taking risks." "And they've usually worked out." "Usually." Henry grinned. "I'll take that." Rupert folded the report and placed it neatly on the table. "I have to admit, son, you've done a remarkable job." The compliment surprised Henry. Praise from Rupert was rare. The older man believed achievements should be expected, not celebrated. For that reason, the words meant more than Henry would ever admit. "Thank you, Dad." Rupert nodded. "You earned it." For the next twenty minutes, they discussed future investments, expansion opportunities, and marketing strategies for several Blackwood Holdings businesses. Eventually, Henry placed a hand dramatically on his stomach. Rupert immediately recognised the gesture. "What now?" "I'm starving." Rupert stared at him. "You had breakfast before leaving the house." "That was two hours ago." "Two hours?" Henry nodded seriously. "A lifetime in Henry Blackwood time." Rupert laughed. "I've never met anyone who thinks about food as much as you do." "That's because I work harder than most people." "There it is." "What?" "Your excuse." Henry smiled. "It happens to be true." Rupert shook his head. "Whatever helps you sleep at night." Henry glanced around the restaurant. "We should order before I start eating the furniture." "That would create paperwork." Both men laughed. As though summoned by the conversation, a waitress approached their table. "Good morning, gentlemen." The sound of her voice immediately caught Henry's attention. He looked up. And forgot everything Rupert had just said. The young woman standing before them was beautiful. Her dark hair was neatly tied into a ponytail that highlighted her delicate features. Warm brown eyes sparkled with intelligence and kindness. Her uniform was simple, yet she carried herself with a natural confidence that made her stand out effortlessly. But it was her smile that truly captured him. Warm. Genuine. The sort of smile that made people feel instantly comfortable. For a moment, Henry simply stared. The waitress smiled politely. "What may I get for you today?" Across the table, Rupert noticed his son's sudden silence and immediately understood the reason. The older man hid an amused smile behind his coffee cup. "I'll have the macaroni and cheese," Rupert said. "Excellent choice, sir." The waitress wrote down the order. Then she turned towards Henry. "And for you?" Henry cleared his throat, suddenly aware that he had been staring. "I'll have the Buffalo wings." Her smile widened slightly. "One of my favourites." Henry immediately seized the opportunity. "Then I clearly have excellent taste." A soft laugh escaped her. "Or you're lucky." "Let's go with excellent taste." The waitress shook her head, smiling as she wrote down the order. Rupert rolled his eyes. His son was impossible. When she finished writing, she looked up. "Anything else?" A mischievous smile appeared on Henry's face. Rupert recognised it instantly. And immediately regretted it. "Oh no." The waitress looked curious. "Yes?" Henry leaned back comfortably. "When you bring my food, perhaps you could write your telephone number on a piece of paper and leave it beside my plate." For a moment, she simply blinked. Then she burst into laughter. Rupert groaned loudly. "I apologise on behalf of my son." Henry looked offended. "Why?" "Because you've started flirting before she's even taken our order." The waitress laughed harder. "I've heard worse." Henry placed a hand dramatically over his heart. "That's reassuring." She smiled. "I imagine it would be." Rupert shook his head. "I promise he isn't normally this embarrassing." "That's not true," Henry said. "I'm charming." Rupert laughed. "Keep telling yourself that." The waitress bit back another laugh. Henry looked at her hopefully. "So... should I expect that telephone number with my wings?" She smiled playfully. "I'll think about it." Henry pointed at her. "See?" Rupert sighed. "See what?" "That's not a no." The waitress laughed again. "Have a nice morning, gentlemen." Then she turned and walked away. Henry watched her go. Rupert noticed immediately. "Henry." "Hmm?" "Stop staring." "I'm not staring." "You absolutely are." Henry finally looked away. For approximately two seconds. Then his gaze drifted back towards her. Rupert shook his head. "Unbelievable." Henry smiled. "What?" "You've known her for less than three minutes." Henry watched Beatrice move gracefully between tables as she served customers. Then he smiled to himself. "Three very interesting minutes." Rupert leaned back in his chair and laughed. Something told him this breakfast meeting was about to become much more entertaining than any business report.