Adrian stood outside Mercer Tower on a crisp Monday morning, staring up at the gleaming glass structure that seemed to pierce the sky. The building was even more intimidating in person than in photos. Forty stories of steel and glass, representing power and wealth beyond anything Adrian had ever known.
He'd borrowed a suit from his mer father—slightly too big in the shoulders but professional enough. His fer father had helped him with his hair, styling it in a way that made him look older, more capable. Riley had watched the boys, promising to keep them entertained until Adrian returned.
"You've got this," he whispered to himself, straightening his tie one more time. "You need this job. Don't think about anything else. Just focus on the interview."
The lobby was all marble and chrome, intimidatingly elegant. Well-dressed people moved purposefully through the space, everyone looking important and busy. Adrian checked in at security, received a visitor badge, and took the elevator to the twentieth floor where HR was located.
His interviewer was Jason Park, a friendly fer in his thirties with an easy smile and kind eyes. He reviewed Adrian's resume with interest, nodding approvingly.
"Your qualifications are impressive," Jason said. "Especially given your circumstances. Completing your degree while working full-time—that shows real determination and time management skills."
Adrian had been vague about his "circumstances" on his resume, but he'd learned to spin his life story in a way that highlighted positives rather than raising red flags. Single parent struggling to survive became excellent at multitasking and prioritizing under pressure.
"Thank you. I'm very motivated to build a stable career."
"The position is executive assistant to our CEO," Jason explained. "He's young but demanding. The role requires discretion, organization, and the ability to handle multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously. Long hours sometimes, last-minute changes to schedules. Can you handle that?"
Adrian thought about managing twin infants while taking classes and working. "I'm very good with pressure and adapting to changing circumstances."
They talked for forty minutes. Jason asked about his experience, his skills, his availability. Adrian answered confidently, drawing on everything he'd learned over the past five years about presenting himself professionally. He didn't mention that he had two five-year-olds at home. Didn't mention that he'd need the health insurance to cover their pediatric care. Didn't mention that this job could mean the difference between barely surviving and actually building a life.
"We have a few more candidates to interview," Jason said as they wrapped up. "But I'll be honest—you're our top choice. Your background is exactly what we're looking for. I should have a decision by the end of the week."
Adrian left the building in a daze. He'd done well. He knew he had. This job could change everything for him and the boys.
He tried not to think about the fact that somewhere in this building, Kai's father worked. That Kai himself might return from London someday. It didn't matter. Adrian had survived worse than the possibility of running into his ex. He could handle this.
Three days later, Jason called. "Adrian? I'm pleased to offer you the position. Can you start next Monday?"
"Yes," Adrian said immediately, his heart racing. "Absolutely. Thank you so much."
After hanging up, Adrian sat on his bed and cried—relief and fear mixing together. This was it. His chance to give his sons stability. To prove that he could build something from the wreckage of his teenage years.
That evening, he celebrated with the boys and his parents. His mer father made a special dinner, and they let Eli and Luca stay up late.
"I got a new job," Adrian told his sons. "A really good one that's going to help us have a better life."
"Will you still have time to read to us?" Eli asked, worried.
"Every single night," Adrian promised. "Nothing will change that."
Luca climbed into his lap. "Are we still going to be a family?"
Adrian's heart clenched. "Of course, baby. We'll always be a family. This job just means Papa can buy you new books and toys, and maybe we can get a bigger apartment with your own rooms."
Both boys cheered at that. They'd been sharing a tiny bedroom in their cramped two-bedroom apartment, and Adrian knew they needed more space. With this salary, they could afford something better. Not luxury, but comfortable. Safe. Stable.
That night, after putting the boys to bed, Adrian stood in their doorway watching them sleep. Eli had his arm thrown over Luca, protective even in sleep. Luca was curled up with his stuffed bear, his face peaceful.
"I'm doing this for you," Adrian whispered. "Everything I do is for you. And I'm going to make sure you have every opportunity I didn't have. I promise."
He didn't let himself think about Kai. About the fact that he was about to work for the family of the person who'd shattered his life. About what would happen if Kai ever found out about the boys.
None of that mattered. What mattered was survival. Progress. Building a future where his sons never had to know hunger or instability or fear.
Adrian Wells had learned to be practical. Dreams were for people who could afford them. He had children to raise.
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Monday morning arrived too quickly. Adrian woke at five-thirty, nerves already jangling. He showered and dressed carefully in his borrowed suit, making sure every detail was perfect. His mer father was already up, making breakfast for the boys.
"You look very professional," his father said approvingly. "They're lucky to have you."
"I hope so." Adrian's stomach was in knots. "You're sure you can handle drop-off at kindergarten?"
"Adrian, I've been helping with these boys since they were born. I think I can manage taking them to school." His father's voice was gentle. "Go. Do well. We'll be fine."
Adrian kissed both boys goodbye—they were still sleepy, more interested in their cereal than his departure. Then he drove to Mercer Tower, his hands gripping the steering wheel too tightly.
The building was even more intimidating on his first official day. Adrian checked in with security, received his permanent badge, and took the elevator to the executive floor. His heart pounded with each ascending number.
Jason met him with a welcoming smile. "Adrian! Welcome to your first day. Let me show you to your workspace."
The executive assistant's office was positioned directly outside the CEO's suite—a modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Adrian's desk was sleek and organized, equipped with dual monitors, a high-end computer system, and everything he could need.
"The CEO is in meetings all morning," Jason explained. "Gives you time to familiarize yourself with the systems. His schedule is here—" he pulled up a complex calendar "—and his preferences are detailed in this document. His previous assistant left comprehensive notes."
Adrian spent the morning absorbed in learning. The CEO's schedule was packed weeks in advance with meetings, conference calls, media appearances, investor briefings. Whoever he was, he kept impossibly busy. Adrian took notes on preferences—coffee order, preferred restaurants for business lunches, how he liked his briefings formatted.
He was so focused on work that he didn't notice the time until Jason reappeared. "He's ready to meet you. Conference room three."
Adrian's stomach flipped. This was it—meeting his new boss. He gathered his notepad and followed Jason down the hall, mentally preparing himself. Professional. Capable. Confident.
Jason opened the conference room door. "Sir, this is Adrian Wells, your new assistant."
Adrian stepped into the room, professional smile in place. A man stood by the window with his back to them, talking on his phone. He was tall, broad-shouldered, wearing an expensive suit tailored perfectly to his frame.
Something about his posture was familiar. Something about the way he held himself made Adrian's breath catch.
No. It couldn't be.
"I'll call you back," the man said into his phone, then turned around.
Their eyes met.
The world stopped.
Kai Mercer stood before him, older but unmistakably the same. Taller, broader, his features sharper with maturity. Five years had transformed the eighteen-year-old boy into a man, but those eyes—those eyes were exactly the same.
And they were looking at Adrian with polite, distant interest. No recognition. Nothing.
"Adrian Wells?" Kai extended his hand, his voice professional and impersonal. "Kai Mercer. Welcome to the team."