Nate hadn’t slept. He sat in the back of his car, city lights flashing across his clenched jaw as his driver tore through the midnight streets. His phone was still warm from the last call with his mother, her shaken voice replaying in his head. Words like adopted and illegitimate heir burned in his chest, each one a dagger sharpened for headlines he hadn’t authorized and enemies he hadn’t named. And now—because fate had a sick sense of humor—the press had already dragged Sophia into it.
The driver eased to a stop in front of Sterling Tower, the glass facade glowing against the night sky. Security was tighter than usual—extra guards stationed outside, discreet but watchful. Nate didn’t wait for the door to be opened; he shoved it himself, storming inside with his phone already in hand.
Th
