Chapter 5 - The Unexpected VisitorThe diner was warm, quiet, and filled with the comfortable clatter of ceramic mugs and jukebox music.
Sitting in a vinyl booth across from Rowan, Maris looked completely different than she did in her corporate tower. She had taken off her suit jacket, rolling up the sleeves of her white silk shirt. For two hours, they didn't talk about stocks, real estate, or board meetings. They talked about life.
Rowan told her about Bram—his love for sea turtles, his sharp humor, and how his cough had already improved thanks to the new pediatric medicine Rowan had bought that morning.
“He sounds incredible,” Maris said softly, resting her chin in her hand as she watched Rowan speak. She loved the way his eyes lit up whenever he mentioned his son.
“He’s my whole world,” Rowan said gently. He looked at Maris, his gaze searching hers. “What about you, Maris? No husband? No family?”
Maris looked down at her coffee mug, a shadow of old pain passing over her face. “When you build an empire from scratch, people usually only want to be near you for the shadow you cast, or the money in your bank account. Trust is a rare currency in my world, Rowan. I learned to keep my walls high.”
Rowan reached across the table, placing his large, warm hand over hers. “The walls kept you safe, Maris. But you don't have to carry the whole world alone anymore.”
Maris looked at his hand resting on hers, feeling a sudden, deep surge of emotion. For years, she had been surrounded by men who wanted her power. But Rowan only saw her.
The next afternoon, Rowan brought Bram to the office after school while he finalized the Harbor Point safety files.
Bram sat in Rowan’s office, marveling at the giant windows overlooking the ocean. Suddenly, the door opened, and Maris stepped inside, holding a large, beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of marine life.
“Hi Bram,” Maris said warmly, kneeling down so she was at eye level with the boy.
Bram’s eyes went wide as he looked at the book cover featuring a blue whale. “Is that for me?”
“It is,” Maris smiled, handing it to him. “Your dad told me you’re the leading whale expert in the city.”
Bram grinned brightly. “I am! Thank you, Ms. Maris!”
As Bram excitedly flipped through the pages on the couch, Rowan walked over to Maris, standing beside her.
“You didn't have to do that,” Rowan whispered, his voice rich with gratitude.
“I wanted to,” Maris murmured, looking up at him.
May you like
For a fleeting moment, their eyes locked, filled with an intense, magnetic attraction that neither of them could deny. But before either could speak, the peaceful moment was shattered.
Julian Vance walked into the office without knocking, flanked by two corporate security guards.
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