Shadows of the Heart

Chapter Seventeen

The next day dawned bright and clear. The streets, washed clean by the night’s rain, gleamed under the morning sun. Kurt arrived early at the Carlisle Corporation’s skyscraper, his bodyguards flanking him as he strode through the glass-fronted doors.

Outside, reporters jostled for position, cameras clicking and microphones thrust forward, hoping for even a glimpse of the impeccably suited, handsome man. But as always, Kurt’s expression remained reserved, almost cold—an impenetrable mask that revealed nothing.

The public was fascinated with the life of the Carlisle family, especially the first son. Kurt’s bachelor status, immense wealth, and commanding presence had made him the most desirable—and most scrutinized—eligible man in Bristol. Families schemed, daughters polished their manners, all hoping to capture his attention.

Inside his office, perched at the top of the skyscraper, Kurt sipped his coffee while staring out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the city below. The familiar calm of the morning was broken by a sudden, brisk entrance.

“Grandma Ruth!” Kurt exclaimed, turning in surprise, a warm smile breaking across his face. “What a lovely surprise.” He opened his arms to embrace her.

“We’ll have none of that,” Grandma Ruth said sharply, dodging his hug. Her face, lined with age yet still pretty, was perturbed. Her petite frame moved with purpose as she settled into the chair beside him. Taking his hands in hers, she spoke with unusual solemnity.

“I’ve come to warn you,” she began, her voice low and urgent. “Other members of the Carlise family… they’re up to no good again. They’ve sorted you out a list of blind dates. This time, Kurt, you really are going to have to get married. No dodging the bullet.”

Kurt raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Grandma Ruth ignored it. “But I’ve come up with a plan to help you out—and it will appease them quickly,” she added, leaning in conspiratorially. Her eyes sparkled with mischief beneath the worry.

Kurt leaned back, intrigued. “Oh? And what kind of plan are we talking about, Grandma?”

Her lips pressed into a thin line. “One that might just give you a little breathing room… if you’re clever enough to pull it off.”

Kurt chuckled softly, already sensing this conversation was going to be far more entertaining than the morning emails waiting in his inbox.