Mark could be so unbelievable sometimes. This wasn't the right place to argue with him, so I let it go for now.
We arrived at Dad's office and found him deeply engrossed in a stack of paperwork, his brows furrowed in concentration behind his signature gold-rimmed glasses.
"Dad," I called softly.
He looked up instantly, a wild smile breaking across his face. Standing up with his arms wide open, he beamed. "Cupcake!"
I rushed into his arms, the familiar scent of cedarwood and old books calming my nerves. "How are you?" he asked, gently caressing my hair.
"I'm fine, Dad."
"Mark," he added, giving my husband a firm nod. "Sir," Mark responded respectfully with a slight nod.
As we pulled away, I couldn't help but admire the interior of Dad's office again. Mahogany shelves lined the walls, filled with rare books and awards. A golden chandelier shimmered above a glass-topped desk, and the leather chairs screamed wealth and power.
"Dad, I love the design in here," I said, taking it all in. "This space is screaming luxury."
He chuckled. "Of course it is and all of this is going to belong to you in a few years."
My smile faltered, and I turned toward Mark. He smiled gently, and in that look, I understood. This is what he meant last night.
"Dad… about that," I started. "Don't you think you're rushing things? I mean, I know nothing about business. And I love my job medicine and fashion are where my heart lies."
He gave a small, thoughtful nod. "Aurora, I'd be a fool if I said I didn't know you're not particularly interested in the core operations of this company. That's why I'm not handing you the entire empire. You'll oversee the hospital division and our show business subsidiaries where your passion lies. The rest will be handled by your cousins."
I exhaled in relief. "I think I could deal with that." He leaned back in his chair. "And regarding the inheritance you received from Jake… would you like it to be absorbed under the Mega Industries umbrella, or would you prefer Maxwell continues managing it independently?"
"I think it's best if Maxwell continues with it," I replied confidently. "He knows the company better than anyone else."
"As you wish, child."
He paused, his fingers tapping slowly on the desk. "There's something else. There's a strong possibility you may inherit Charles' properties as well." I frowned. "Why? I don't need anything from him."
"You could sell it off or donate the profits to charity. His company is plummeting on the stock market. One of his key investors called me, informing me that Charles had willed his company to you, seeing as he has no children with Rose."
I blinked in disbelief. "I haven't heard from him in a while. Mom called me days ago saying he's been missing."
"Don't worry about him," Dad said carefully, staring directly at Mark. "He's with someone I know."
I froze.
"You know his whereabouts?" I asked sharply. "He's in safe hands," Dad answered cryptically. "Hazel," he called to his daughter, "please excuse us. I need to speak to my son-in-law privately."
"Dad, please don't—" I tried to intervene.
Mark touched my hand gently. "Don't worry, my love. It's just business. Go see Gianna. I'll be right out." Reluctantly, I nodded and stepped out. As the door closed behind me, the two men stared each other down.
"I know you have Charles," William said calmly. Mark chuckled and leaned against the desk. "You never miss a thing, do you?"
"This is shocking, even for you," William muttered. "My daughter has no idea that her adopted father has been living under the same roof as her all this time."
"And I don't want her to know," Mark replied coldly. "She doesn't need to see this side of me not yet."
William narrowed his eyes. "Mark, listen to me whatever you're doing to that man… it's enough."
"Enough?" Mark's tone sharpened. "Would it be enough for you to release a man who.."
He stepped forward, his voice rising with each word: "tried to molest a 12-year-old girl?
Who tried to rape her multiple times?
Who manipulated your wife, snatched your daughter away from you, and destroyed your firstborn son?"
Mark's hands clenched into fists.
"Tell me, would it be okay for a man like that to walk free? To breathe the same air as the people he's hurt?"
William remained silent, jaw tight, eyes dark.
"I didn't think so," Mark muttered.
The air between them was heavy, charged with unspeakable pain and rage.