Chapter 406

• The celebrations stretched long into the night luxury, laughter, champagne flutes clinking under the city’s skyline. Every corner of the penthouse echoed with joy, the air thick with the scent of sweet pastries, aged wine, and the soft, familiar warmth of family.
• It was past midnight when the last bursts of confetti settled, and our guests finally began to fade into doorways and private elevators. Ryan had tried to stay awake for every moment his small frame resisting sleep like a stubborn executive trying to close just one more deal. In the end, Travis scooped him up with a grin and carried him to bed like a proud uncle with no regard for bedtime diplomacy.
• I watched from across the room as Rafael slowly made his way to me. He didn't say much he never needed to. In the quiet, he reached for my hand and led me back to our suite.