"Do you think the kitchen is big enough?" Violet asked, squinting at the cupboard space.

Aaron sighed quietly. It was almost the same size as their kitchen at home, and she wasn't even much of a cook. Why did she care how big it was? That seemed like something Nathan would be picky about, not her.

"Yes. Is that all?" he asked, slightly impatiently.

"No, I want to check out the second floor again," she replied, speeding up the stairs.

He could faintly hear her discussing something with the real estate agent, who sounded as exhausted as he was. Ten minutes later, she came back down, a satisfied look on her face.

"Alright, I want this one. But I do want to repaint and get different carpet."

"Done," Aaron said eagerly. Anything to get them home and off their feet. House hunting involved far more walking than he'd anticipated.

Violet blinked up at him innocently. "Dad, will you help me find furniture?"

No! Absolutely not! He'd buy the place in cash, but he would not spend time in a furniture store while she hemmed and hawed over choices. That was Keeley's domain; she was the family decorator.

He meekly suggested she ask her mother, who was better at that sort of thing, and she agreed. Thank goodness.

Once everything was signed, the real estate agent handed over the elevator key. Aaron bought the house, but he put it in Violet's name, so the key went straight to her. Nearly $5,000,000 gone, but he wasn't complaining; it was a drop in the bucket.

Anything for his baby girl. She always asked for so little. Buying her a nice place in a safe building, so she could continue her beloved (though not high-paying) career without worry, was the least he could do.

"Thanks, Dad," Violet said fervently, wrapping him in a tight hug. "You're the best."

A lump formed in Aaron's throat. His little girl was actually moving out. When would he see her? He spoke gruffly. "I love you, Vi. You better come visit us a lot."

"Of course I will! No matter what, I'll always feel at home with you and Mom," she reassured him.

They hugged for a while until Violet's phone rang. Her eyes lit up; it was Noah. She excused herself and walked away, launching into a monologue about the apartment.

Aaron felt gratified, but also a little disgruntled. Between researching her literature review and helping Violet pick paint, carpet, and furniture, his wife's attention wouldn't be on him for weeks.

Keeley kept telling him to get a hobby, but he wasn't interested. Maybe he'd end up tagging along furniture shopping, just to have something to do. The prospect filled him with dread.

"All alone tonight?" Gray asked, raising an eyebrow as they sat down at the expensive steakhouse.

Aaron scowled. Keeley usually came with him, so the question was natural, but he disliked the reminder that she was too busy. Since getting home yesterday, every spare second had been spent discussing decoration ideas and color schemes. He couldn't get a word in edgewise.

"Keeley is busy."

His brother laughed. "Well, I can see that. You're always in a terrible mood when her attention isn't entirely on you, baby brother."

His scowl deepened. He wasn't wrong, which made him feel worse. He didn't like Gray seeing through him. It made him worry that Gray might one day discover the truth about who put him in prison.

Gray hadn't seemed suspicious, but you never knew. Aaron had to keep his brother happy, even if it meant inconveniencing himself.

"You wouldn't understand," he sighed. "Too many people demand her attention. Right now, it's split between a new research project and Violet's move. I helped her buy an apartment, and now she insists her mother help decorate it."

Gray laughed. "How delightfully mundane. I wish I had a wife and daughter who ignored me in favor of decorating."

Aaron raised an eyebrow. Gray had never spoken like this—as if he desired a family. It didn't fit with anything he knew about him. He'd seemed perfectly content with his life.

What had changed his mind? It couldn't be jealousy of Aaron's life as a husband. That didn't seem like him at all.

"You, the perpetual bachelor, want a wife? I thought you were having fun with your various dates," Aaron said.

He was usually better at controlling his thoughts, but Gray didn't seem offended. He smiled genuinely, as if glad to be criticized.

"It makes you happy. Why not? Empire building hasn't made me happy in a while. I thought it might be worth trying. If I can ever find someone interested, that is," Gray said airily.

Finding someone interested wouldn't be the problem. Gray was rich, attractive, and had a well-bred persona. His personality was the issue. He could never have a genuine relationship as long as his life was a façade.

Since when had this materialistic man wanted something genuine? Aaron had always thought he was content with his frivolous lifestyle. Graydon Meyer had once been considered one of New York's most eligible bachelors. His false sincerity attracted women easily.

The final two paragraphs are promotional material and should be removed from the text.