When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 157

Ethan

After leaving the Blue Note bar, I got into the car. Michael immediately handed me a tablet.

"Sir, I have several matters requiring your attention," Michael said efficiently. "Most pressing is Daniel Astor's medical research funding application. It's stalled in the approval process."

My interest immediately sharpened. "What's the issue?"

"Bureaucratic red tape, mostly. The reviewers are questioning the innovation aspects of the project. It needs someone with influence to push it through."

I considered the situation. Helping Daniel's project wasn't just a business decision—it was a way to support Amelia's family, to weave myself more firmly into her world.

"Make it clear to the relevant parties that I have personally invested in this project," I instructed. "Use my name directly to expedite the process."

Michael nodded, tapping on the screen. "That should move things along. I'll handle it immediately."

The car cut through the late afternoon traffic, soon pulling up to the glass-and-steel tower that dominated this section of Manhattan's skyline. As I walked through the revolving doors into the marble-floored lobby, I noticed employees immediately taking notice of my presence.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Black," the receptionist greeted, her professional smile brightening. "Welcome back, sir."

Various staff members paused in their activities, offering respectful nods and warm greetings. I acknowledged them with a slight nod, maintaining my reserved demeanor. After days focused on Amelia and rebuilding our family, stepping back into this world of power and finance felt like donning a familiar but slightly uncomfortable suit.

I took the private elevator to the executive floor, my mind already shifting from personal matters to business operations. When the doors opened, my secretary was waiting with a tablet in hand.

"Your father asked to see you immediately," she informed me, a hint of anxiety in her voice suggesting my father was in one of his moods.

Without pausing to knock, I pushed open the heavy wooden door to my father's office and stepped inside. His spacious corner office offered panoramic views of Manhattan, a fitting backdrop for one of the city's financial power players.

Thomas looked up from his desk with a flash of irritation. "I thought I told Amanda I didn't want to be disturbed—" He stopped mid-sentence when he realized it was me. "Oh, it's you. She should have announced you."

"And miss this look on your face? Never," I replied dryly, closing the door behind me.

His expression softened slightly as his gaze fell on my hand. "How's the injury?" There was genuine concern beneath his businesslike tone.

"Healing," I responded simply, taking a seat in one of the leather chairs facing his desk.

Thomas leaned back, looking me over. "You really need to be more careful. Taking unnecessary risks isn’t good for the company or the family. Don’t think I was like you before, ignoring my health and then having to spend ages trying to fix it."

I recognized the subtle blend of parental worry and business pragmatism in my father's voice. It was as close to outright concern as Thomas Black typically expressed.

"How's it going with Amelia?" he asked, shifting gears. "Have you decided when you're gonna redo the paperwork and tie the knot again?"

I looked ahead, steady. "We're living together now. Just taking it one step at a time."

For a moment, I felt the weight of expectation pressing down, but also a quiet hope that things could truly change.

A rare smile touched his lips. "Good. She's quite remarkable. Your mother will be pleased to hear it, though she'd never admit it."

"George has been asking when you'll bring Amelia and the children to family dinner again," he continued.

"I was thinking about this Sunday," I replied. "If Amelia agrees."

He nodded approvingly. "Family gatherings are important." His voice softened unexpectedly. "I miss having the little ones around. Lucas reminds me of you at that age—all serious concentration and determination."

This moment of personal connection from my usually reserved father caught me off guard. Our relationship had always been defined more by business expectations than emotional bonds.

As I turned to leave, he called after me. "Ethan." When I looked back, he added with uncharacteristic warmth, "It's good to have you back."

Back in my own office, I turned to the window, looking out at the Manhattan skyline bathed in the golden light of approaching evening. Helping Daniel gave me a sense of satisfaction that went beyond business interests. It felt right to use my position to benefit Amelia's family.

'For you, Amelia,' I thought. 'Everything I do now is for you and our family.'

Later that evening, as I was preparing to leave the office, my phone rang. Daniel's name appeared on the screen.

"Ethan," Daniel's voice came through clearly when I answered. "I just received word that my funding application has been approved. Your influence in New York is quite impressive."

"I merely pointed out the project's merits to people who needed to see them," I replied, allowing myself a small smile of satisfaction.

"Well, whatever magic you worked, I appreciate it. I'm heading back to Boston the day after tomorrow," he added.

We discussed the details of our partnership, settling on a thirty percent stake for my investment. Throughout the conversation, I could hear the newfound respect in Daniel's voice—a significant shift from our earlier interactions.

"Thank you again," Daniel said as we concluded the call. "And take care of Amelia. She seems happier than I've seen her in years."

After ending the call, I checked the time. If I hurried, I might still make it back to have dinner with Amelia and the children. The thought created an urgency that surprised me—just months ago, I would have stayed at the office until midnight without hesitation.

As I gathered my things, I realized how profoundly my priorities had shifted. The prospect of returning to Amelia and our family now pulled at me more strongly than any business matter could.

A quiet determination settled within me, stronger than any boardroom battle. This was where I truly belonged.

'This is how it should have been all along,' I thought as I headed for the elevator, determined to make it home to the people who mattered most.