“Alright, that’s enough—let’s eat!” Mr. Barron Sr. cut Daniel off mid-sentence, visibly annoying him. Daniel’s fists clenched under the table, frustration burning in his eyes. He just couldn’t understand it—why had Grandpa suddenly placed so much trust in Alexander, even handing over the entire Barron Empire to him? Throughout the meal, Mr. Barron Sr. chatted warmly with Alexander and Summer, largely ignoring everyone else. Once dinner was over, the old man turned to Alexander and asked, “How are things between you and Summer lately?” He was still worried the rumors might hold some truth, afraid Summer would be driven away. Even as his grandfather, he often found Alexander hard to read. Alexander held Summer’s hand firmly, his gaze lifting to meet hers; the slight

