The Black Box was in a state of high-alert, but for once, it wasn't because of a security breach or a medical emergency. It was the day of Keigan's graduation from the elite academy, and in the Watson-Mariano household, "casual" didn't exist.
09:00 AM: The "Elite" Prep
POV: Jay
I was in the grand foyer, adjusting my gold-rimmed sunglasses and smoothing down the skirt of my designer suit. Beside me, Keifer looked like he was ready to buy the university just to ensure the ceremony went smoothly. He was in a bespoke navy suit, his "Monster" aura radiating enough power to make the stone pillars sweat.
"He's actually doing it, hubby," I whispered, leaning into him. "Our little genius is graduating."
"He'd better," Keifer rumbled, though he was checking his watch every thirty seconds. "I've already funded three new research wings in his name. If his speech isn't perfect, I'm firing the dean."
"Don't fire the dean, Keifer. It's a celebration."
11:30 AM: The Commencement Chaos
The university auditorium was packed with the world's most influential families, but all eyes were on the front row.
Section E took up an entire block of seats. Percy was wearing a suit so bright it was practically a flashbang, and he was currently holding a giant "TEAM KEIGAN" foam finger. Rory and Erdix were scanning the room with tactical headsets, while Aries was trying to "align the energy" of the stage.
Then, there was the "Third-Row Terror."
Astraea was sitting on Ghost's back (the dog was wearing a formal black bowtie), while Alexander stood guard with his arms crossed.
"PA-PA! LOOK! KEI-KEI!" Astraea shrieked the moment Keigan appeared on stage in his cap and gown.
Keigan, usually the most stoic and focused of the brothers, looked out at the sea of people. He spotted the giant foam finger, the mountain dog in a bowtie, and the "Monster" himself sitting in the front row. He actually cracked a smile—a real, genuine Watson smile.
01:00 PM: The Speech
Keigan stood behind the podium as the Valedictorian. The room went silent.
"Intelligence is a weapon," Keigan began, his voice steady and echoing his brother's authority. "But it is useless without the drive to protect what matters. I've learned that the greatest calculations aren't found in books, but in the loyalty of the people who stand behind you when the world goes dark."
He looked directly at Keifer and me.
"To my brother, who showed me how to be a leader. And to Jay, who showed me that even a 'Monster' needs a heart to keep him standing. This is for the family."
I felt a tear prick my eye. I reached out and squeezed Keifer's hand. The "Monster" didn't say a word, but I saw his jaw tighten—his way of fighting back the emotion.
"He's a good kid," Keifer whispered, his voice thick.
"He's a Watson," I replied.
03:00 PM: The "Savage" Afterparty
We headed back to the mansion for a private celebration. The garden was decorated with white orchids and tactical-grade fairy lights.
Ghost was currently sprinting through the grass with Keigan's graduation cap in his mouth, being chased by Alexander. Percy was trying to take a selfie with the graduate, but Astraea kept photobombing them by throwing flower petals at the camera.
"Congratulations, Keigan," I said, handing him a glass of vintage champagne. "What's next? The London office? A research facility in Switzerland?"
Keigan looked at his brother, then at the chaotic scene of the family he loved. "Actually, I think I'll stay here for a while, Jay. Someone has to help you keep the 'Monster' in check while he's still in recovery mode."
"Hey," Keifer growled, walking over and clapping a hand on Keigan's shoulder. "I'm 100% operational. But... I could use a Chief of Strategy."
The two brothers stood there—the leader and the strategist—side by side. It was a terrifyingly powerful sight.
07:00 PM: The Queen's Toast
As the sun set, I stood up and raised my glass.
"To Keigan," I announced. "For proving that brains are just as lethal as brawn. And to the Watsons—for surviving the fire, the crashes, and the chaos, only to come out stronger."
"To the Watsons!" Section E roared.
Ghost let out a loud A-woooo! and Astraea climbed into Keigan's lap, finally exhausted.
Keifer pulled me close, whispering into my ear, "You did this, Jay. You kept us together. You're the real strategist."
"I'm just the surgeon, hubby," I teased, leaning my head on his shoulder. "I just know how to fix things when they break. And right now? Nothing is broken."