Zeke's POV

We left the house as soon as Kamille returned. The kids settled into the back seat with me, while Andrew, my chief of security, sat in the front with the driver.

"Let's go," I instructed. The car sped off.

The kids giggled and chatted, filling the car with their infectious energy.

"Daddy, what's your favorite snack?" Tyris asked, her eyes wide.

"Ice cream and pizza," I replied, grinning. I knew kids loved them.

"We love ice cream and pizza too!" they chorused.

"What's your favorite flavor?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Reon likes plain and sweetened," Royer said.

"Royer and Torin love chocolate, while I love strawberry," Tyris exclaimed.

We talked about their favorite outings and how much they enjoyed spending time together. Reon looked up, his eyes shining. "Having you here makes such a difference, Daddy."

I smiled, feeling warmth spread through me. "You guys make me so happy."

The kids scrambled to hug me. My heart ached thinking of the four years I'd missed. I imagined the ordeal they'd faced without a father.

We arrived at the school. It was a reputable institution, but my stomach churned when I saw Chris near the entrance.

Oh fuck, I thought. I almost forgot this school is owned by that son of a bitch.

I watched Chris speak to my kids before ushering them to their classrooms. Anger surged, but I controlled it as I approached him.

"We meet again, Mr. Reid," Chris said, smirking.

"Nice to see you too, Mr. Christopher George," I replied sarcastically. "What time does school let out today?"

"I'll send the details to the parents," Chris said dismissively, his eyes fixed on mine.

"Cut the crap, Chris. I know they're mine," I said, my voice low and dangerous.

"Yeah, but not legally yet," he retorted.

"I know your fucking plan to take my kids and Kamille, but I promise you'll be dead before that happens, even in your wildest dreams." I turned and stormed away, my mind racing.

I needed to deal with Chris permanently. No one messes with my family.

I arrived at Reid Company, and Rogers hurried to my side. "Welcome, Mr. Reid."

I nodded. "Rogers."

We took the private elevator to my office. I immediately requested the progress report on the company's stock and market values.

"Here they are, Mr. Reid. Some reports were also emailed to you," Rogers replied, gesturing to the documents on the table.

"Good," I nodded. "That will be all for now."

"Okay, sir," he replied, leaving.

I reviewed documents, signing, reading, approving, and rejecting. A knock interrupted me, and Rogers appeared.

"Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Reid, but your friends…" He began, but Zane and Fletcher burst in.

"Brother!" they called in unison.

"How are the kids and Kamille?" Zane asked.

These idiots, I thought, neglecting me for my family.

"They're fine," I said, forcing a smile.

"That's so cute," Zane said with a childish grin that almost looked serious, but wasn't.

"Don't you want to know how I've been?" I asked, my tone laced with jealousy.

"Obviously you've been well, and when you're in 'Zeke mode,' you're exceptional," Zane teased.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I asked suspiciously.

"Exactly, you rarely need anyone to worry about you. Always so calculated," Fletcher replied, winking.

I rolled my eyes and returned to my PC. They knew how to annoy me, and I wouldn't let them.

(I did eventually let them.)

After some casual conversation, they got to the point. "Last night, we were attacked," Fletcher said. "Some of our men were killed by mobsters."

"Were all security measures in place?" I asked, my jaw tightening.

"Yes," Zane replied. "The attack was well-planned."

"Be more careful," I instructed. "I don't want any more surprises."

"We barely see you anymore," Fletcher said pointedly. "What's up?"

"I've got a lot on my plate," I admitted.

"Can we help?" Zane asked.

"Yes," I said. "We need to find that drug baron. We could use the LCDD (Luxstorg Crime and Drug Division), but they'll want something in return." The LCDD were known for their efficiency. We had a symbiotic relationship.

"Send me a picture of the drug baron's side profile and any documents you have," I said. "I'll forward them to Rogers. He can run them through our database."

They nodded. "We'll get it to you by the end of the day."

"Thanks," I said. "This will help us identify the drug baron."

"Exactly," Fletcher agreed.

Kamille and the kids deserved a safe, happy life, and I'd do whatever it took. No one would stop me—not Chris, not the drug baron, not anyone.