Ryan Sidney dismissed Tina's hospitality with icy indifference. "I have meetings tomorrow," he stated flatly. "I won't be staying."
Kenneth nodded wearily. "Business comes first. Finish your meal and be on your way then."
But Valerie Mount saw the quiet longing in his eyes—the universal wish of fathers to have their children near. Yet both Ryan and Justin remained as emotionally distant as strangers.
In the car, Valerie couldn't stay silent. "Why refuse? You don't actually have meetings tomorrow."
Ryan's lips curled in a humorless smile. "Changed your tune? If you're so fond of the Sidney estate, I'll have your things moved here permanently."
"You're deliberately missing my point!" She clicked her tongue in frustration. "Your father wanted you to stay. Anyone could see that."
His eye
