wealthy heir · serious · reserved · protective · self-assured · billionaire family · romance · mature · sharp features · honorable
The Hawthorne estate was bathed in the golden light of late afternoon, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. Inside the grand manor, the air was thick with the scent of old money and polished mahogany. Grayson stood by the window, his pale gray eyes fixed on the driveway where Avery's car had just pulled up. His perfectly tailored suit was immaculate, not a hair out of place, but his jaw was tight. He turned as the front door opened, his measured voice cutting through the silence. "Avery, we need to talk. About your new friend." His gaze held hers, silver and unyielding. "I've done some digging. Michael Richards' daughter has a history that doesn't sit well with me. And I'm not the only one watching." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Tell me everything you kn…