"Tell me… how long have you been watching my husband?" Keeley asked casually.

Graydon was surprised by how much she had figured out—or, more accurately, how much Aaron had figured out. He hadn't expected Aaron to keep his wife informed, given his seemingly overprotective nature.

"A while," he admitted.

To answer properly, he'd been watching Aaron since learning to hack from his MIT roommate. Aaron was about thirteen then, and Graydon had been disappointed by what he'd found: a soulless, programmed business bot. Highly accomplished, yes, but utterly lacking individuality. Alistair had created a miniature version of himself.

Aaron had no friends, no hobbies, no goals beyond his parents' expectations. Graydon almost pitied the boy, but mostly he was angry. Aaron would inherit the family business and continue Alistair's legacy—a legacy he hadn't earned.

Graydon planned to destroy Aaron and his parents until, during a routine check, he discovered something interesting: Aaron, a college freshman, had amassed a million dollars—his own assets, separate from his family's.

Someday, he would inherit the Hale fortune. So why create his own wealth?

Graydon watched him more closely. He was collecting useful people, but Aaron's plan remained unclear until Cameron Singleton joined the company and became a shareholder. That's when Graydon became intrigued. Aaron wasn't his father's puppet; he was planning a coup. The reason remained elusive until Lacy Knighton revealed the woman sitting across from him.

Keeley looked at him distrustfully, crossing her arms defensively. Did she think he was after her husband? He was the last person Aaron needed to worry about.

"I'm not trying to get your husband, if that's what you think," he said smoothly.

"That's exactly what I think. You wouldn't investigate him without reason."

"Oh, I have my reasons, but they're not malicious. In fact, you could say I have a vested interest in your husband's success and happiness."

Graydon wholeheartedly supported Aaron's escape from Alistair's control and pursuit of a fulfilling life. With this spirited woman, it seemed he'd achieved just that. She was fiercely protective of him.

He deserved someone who cared, given his cold, emotionless upbringing. Graydon was finally beginning to understand her appeal.

Keeley remained doubtful. "You really sent those shares out of the goodness of your heart?"

He shrugged. "I wanted to give him a wedding present."

"If you're so interested in Aaron, why haven't you tried to meet him?"

Because he had no real reason. Aaron Hale was private and aloof. He couldn't simply walk up and say hello.

It had become even harder since Aaron stopped attending high-society events. Lacy Knighton was furious at not having seen him in months. He simply went to work and home—nothing more.

If he truly loved his wife, it made sense he'd spend all his free time with her. And he must; why else would he keep her a secret from his father?

Graydon knew better than anyone how dangerous Alistair Hale could be. Those he didn't want around vanished—like his mother.

"He's not exactly easy to meet," he said simply. "I'm a nobody to him; I can't approach him freely."

"Aaron isn't like that," Keeley defended.

Her phone rang, and Graydon saw the panic in her eyes as she recognized the caller: Aaron, in a ridiculous reindeer onesie. What power did this woman hold over him?

"Answer it. I'd like to say hello."

She gave him another distrustful look before answering. "Why are you calling me at work?" she asked, bypassing greetings.

Graydon heard Aaron's response faintly. "The driver said you asked him to wait, but it's been half an hour. What's taking so long? You need to get home and rest."

"I'm fine, but I ran into someone interesting. He actually wants to talk to you."

"Keeley, what—"

She handed him the phone with a sour expression. "There. Talk to him, then leave us alone."

"Gladly," he said, smiling. "Hello, Aaron. I've been having a lovely chat with your wife. Did you enjoy my wedding present?"

The icy tone was undeniable. "What are you doing with my wife, Meyer?"

So defensive! What had he done to provoke such hostility? Oh, right, he'd been investigating him. Aaron likely knew about Graydon's unfortunate association with Lacy, a woman he despised.

She was annoying, but what had she done to incur Aaron's wrath? Did he know she was behind the high school drugging incident?

"I was getting coffee and happened to run into her. A lucky coincidence. We've been having a riveting conversation. Don't worry! I have nothing against you or your wife."

"Really?" Aaron asked, his voice dripping with doubt.

These two were definitely a couple—both deeply distrustful.

"Nothing at all," Graydon assured him. "I'm quite interested in seeing you take over Hale Investments and depose that old fraud."

"What do you know about the fraud?"

Wait, actual fraud? He'd only called Alistair unpleasant. The plot thickened.

"This is news to me. I was merely implying he's not all he seems. My, you're determined to destroy him completely. How wonderful."

"So my father is your enemy," Aaron stated flatly. "And that's why you helped me?"

"Yes, but I'd also like to be your friend."

He'd longed for this day, but hadn't expected such hostility. A paranoid person wouldn't appreciate being monitored. He should have approached this differently.

"I have no need of a friend like you. Anyone who uses Keeley to get to me is an enemy," Aaron said icily.

What a pity. Graydon would have to find another way to show his sincerity. He wasn't giving up on such an interesting person just yet.