“Just tell me,” I asked, “why do you want to see my father?”

I frowned. Was he changing his mind again? Earlier, when I mentioned needing his help to appraise something, he’d assumed I had a rare item. Now, it seemed he realized there was more to it. Since I was already here, I decided to be upfront.

After listening, Cole’s expression turned serious. “Then you should leave.”

“Why?” I felt something was amiss.

“If you’re planning to meet my dad for this,” Cole said, “you’re wasting your time. He’s not going to tell you anything.” He spoke as if privy to his father's every move.

But if there was nothing to hide, why would his father be so evasive? His refusal only strengthened my resolve.

“What if I don’t back off?” I challenged. “Maybe your dad’s got nothing to hide after all.”

Cole shook his head, looking resigned. “You’re really stubborn. Fine, I’ll call him. If he’s cool with it, I’ll take you to see him.”

He pulled out his phone, placing it on speaker. “What is it?” Thorsten’s deep voice boomed.

“Hey, I was thinking of bringing someone over,” Cole said carefully, “a woman. To see you.”

“Don’t bring random women around just to bother me,” Thorsten’s voice sharpened.

Cole shot me a playful smirk. “Do you really think I’d bring someone not worth your time? She’s a good person.”

Silence. I held my breath, half-hoping for agreement, but then Thorsten said, “Not today. I’ve got important guests.”

“Then we’ll wait inside. We can meet after you’re done,” Cole said, surprising me. For someone usually unconcerned, he was going out of his way.

“Didn’t you hear me?” Thorsten snapped before hanging up.

Cole shrugged, his expression saying, ‘Don’t blame me for trying.’

I stared at the gate, blocked by iron bars, wondering who these “important guests” were that Thorsten wouldn't even see his own son.

A hand waved before my face, snapping me out of my thoughts. It was Cole. “You’re not seriously thinking about climbing over, are you?”

I pressed my lips together. “Do you know who your dad’s meeting today?”

They were father and son—the closest bond imaginable. And from what Cole had said, he seemed to know something of his father’s dealings.

Cole chuckled. “No clue. My dad’s life basically revolves around two things: making money and schmoozing with people.”

He said it with the annoyingly casual air of someone ridiculously privileged. Still, it was obvious he didn’t want to say more. Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and back at me. “Steve knows you came to see me?”

Wait, how did he know it concerned me when he hadn't even answered?

I gave him a small, knowing smile.

Cole’s expression darkened. Without a word, he declined the call.

My heart jumped. That would definitely make Steve suspicious, and I knew he’d be contacting me any second.