Jeremiah calmly sipped his coffee, the same dark roast his grandfather loved. He’d grown tired of it, drinking it all his life. His long fingers tapped lightly on the couch armrest. With half-closed eyes, he glanced at Jase, his expression indifferent. “If you like kids so much, maybe you should have one yourself. Grandma won’t blame you.”

Jase nearly spilled his coffee. “Quit dodging the question! I think Samantha Mitchell is a good match—good character, mild-tempered. You should marry her. If you don’t, I’ll swallow my pride and propose for you.”

Jase had recently spoken with Tim Mitchell at a military function. They’d quickly agreed on a marriage between Jeremiah and Samantha; both single, raised together—it seemed perfect.

Jeremiah set down his coffee cup, his expression unchanged, and cut Jase off. “You already have a granddaughter-in-law. Stop playing matchmaker, or she’ll be mad.”

Jase was startled, but a smile quickly spread across his face, barely concealing his delight. His eyes lit up, and even his mustache trembled excitedly. “When did you start dating? Who is she? From Betrico? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? You don’t have to date forever, you know. Your grandmother and I only met twice, and look at us—a lifetime together!”

Jase was blown away by the unexpected news. He’d always assumed his aloof grandson would remain single. Now, Jeremiah had a girlfriend, and Jase was intensely curious. He’d often worried about Jeremiah's friendship with Andrew Mitchell, wondering if his grandson's preferences might differ. Now, without fanfare, there was a girlfriend.

Jeremiah, unfazed by his grandfather's pronouncements, met his eager gaze. “She’s not from Betrico. She’s from Seacrity. Not some high-society heiress, just a really nice girl who’s amazing.” He paused. “She’s at Simon’s university.”

Jase was stunned. He wondered, He's dating a college student?

Jase scrutinized Jeremiah, then regained his composure. “Jeremiah, who knew you had it in you to be such a charmer?”

Jeremiah blinked, then retorted, “Runs in the family.”

Jase twitched his lips, deciding to let it go. Calming himself, he asked, “Does she know who you really are?”

Jeremiah tilted his head. “She does.”

Jase nodded. He trusted Jeremiah's judgment; the Chavez family didn't need strategic marriages. They had all the power and money they desired. His only worry had been Jeremiah ending up alone. Life was long, and Jase was getting old. He wanted to see Jeremiah find someone before he passed. Jeremiah, however, had waited until thirty to find a partner, unaware of his grandfather's hopes.

Jase glanced at the string on Jeremiah’s wrist, puzzled. “When did you start wearing that?”

Jeremiah lifted his wrist, fingering the string with a small grin. “When you’re taken, you gotta show it off. It’s the trend now, Grandpa. Didn’t you know?”

Jase snorted. “Alright, back to business. Your trip to Mysonna went well. The big boss is pleased.”

Jeremiah’s smile vanished. “Got it.”

Jase pointed to a file. Jeremiah glanced through it, tossed it back with a cold expression, and scoffed. “Ybaulla thinks they’re still in the old days? How dare they propose such terms? They’re dreaming.”

Jase’s face turned stern. “Exactly what the boss said. We can’t agree. The Ybaulla people are persistent, though. Their prime minister’s visiting Clusia soon, likely stirring up trouble. You’re in charge of security during his visit.”

Jeremiah nodded, considering it another assignment.

Jase still felt uneasy. Ybaulla’s intentions were clearly hostile. He trusted Jeremiah, but worried about underhanded tactics.

They discussed matters late into the night. By morning, Jase, in his eighties, was exhausted. He had a team managing his routine, rarely staying up late. Jeremiah helped him to bed.

Jase said, “Kid, since she’s accepted you, treat her right. Bring her over sometime. I’ve been holding onto a welcome gift for years.” He felt a pang of disappointment; he'd been preparing for ten years.

Jeremiah paused, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll make sure you can give it this year.”

Jase, pleased but maintaining a stern face, said, “Alright, alright, you’re bothering me. Get out of here.”

Jeremiah saw through his act but said nothing. As he reached the door, Jase called out. Jeremiah turned back.

Jase hesitated. “No rush on the great-grandkids. The girl’s young, take it slow.” His face reddened slightly.

Jeremiah gave him a knowing look. “She’s an adult.” He left.

Jase was stunned. An adult? Could I be holding a great-grandchild next year? Excitedly, he shouted, “Go for it, kid!”