Grace smiled, a gentle warmth radiating from her. “I’m just doing what needs to be done, Mr. Lawson. Oliver is like family to me.”

The word ‘family’ lingered in the air, heavy with implications. Richard realized that his life was filled with more than contracts and boardrooms; it was also filled with people who mattered deeply.

As Oliver stood, Grace rose too, smoothing her apron. “I’ll go prepare a snack. I’m sure Oliver could use something to eat.”