The sleek, black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided to a stop at The Imperial, one of Jason Zhou's premier casinos. Its glittering façade stood like a beacon of wealth and power—an empire built on high-stakes dreams and glamour. Behind its grandeur was Scott-Quinn Enterprises, with Damian running the property development division, turning the most impossible projects into gold.

Chloe hadn't expected the curveball Damian had thrown her over breakfast.

Today's the day you meet your biological father.

Jason Zhou.

Jason had backed out months ago. "Cold feet," he'd said, unprepared to face the past. But he promised this time, "No more running, business trip or not."

The casino tower's glass façade shimmered under the afternoon sun, casting prisms of light onto the bustling street below. Chloe's nerves twisted like a wire tightening inside her. Her stomach flipped when the chauffeur opened the door. The hot Vegas air hit her face, but it was nothing compared to the storm brewing inside.

Damian stepped out first, exuding his usual confidence in his fitting shirt and jeans. His broad shoulders and undeniable presence made heads turn, but his focus was entirely on her. He held out his hand, emerald eyes locking onto hers. "Ready?"

Chloe hesitated, drawing in a breath. "As I'll ever be." Her fingers slipped into his warm grasp, and the familiar touch soothed her just enough.

He leaned closer, his voice a low, reassuring murmur. "You're in control. Let him come to you first." He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch sending a calm ripple through her.

She nodded, her throat tight.

The casino swallowed them whole—a world of decadence and excess. Gilded walls, crystal chandeliers, and velvet drapes. It was a far cry from the quiet, modest life Glenn and Ida had given her. This wasn't just a meeting. It was a confrontation of a life kept from her.

A life that could have been hers from the start.

The hum of slot machines faded as they moved deeper into the private wing, leaving a heavy silence. Damian's hand stayed firm on her lower back, his presence grounding her. Her heart pounded harder when they reached a set of ornate double doors.

A steward opened the doors, revealing a grand room bathed in soft afternoon light. Jason Zhou stood at the far end, staring out at the city that bore his fingerprints. Tall and composed, his hair streaked with silver at the temples, his posture radiated authority. Yet, there was something vulnerable about how he stood—hands clenched tight, as though bracing himself for what was about to unfold.

He turned, and for a long moment, their eyes locked. The air between them thickened with unspoken words.

"Lihua," he said finally, her mother's name slipping from his lips with a wistful tone. "You look just like her."

Chloe swallowed hard, her voice caught between her heart and throat. "Mister Zhou," she managed, her fingers gripping the strap of her handbag.

Jason's gaze softened, the stern lines of his face easing. He exhaled, surrendering the composure he maintained. "Please, call me Jason," he replied, gesturing to a seating area with plush leather chairs. "Won't you sit?"

She glanced at Damian, who offered a slight nod. Together, they moved toward the seating area. Chloe perched on the edge of a chair, her back straight, while Damian settled beside her, his presence her anchor amid life's turbulent waves.

Jason sat opposite them, his posture poised yet less rigid than before. "Your mother was one of the most brilliant minds I've ever known. She was my chief architect."

Chloe's brow furrowed. "Chief architect?" she echoed, the revelation stirring a mix of curiosity and pride.

He nodded. "Lihua designed this building and many others." He glanced toward the glass, his eyes distant. "When she came to work for me, it was purely professional. She was focused, driven, and exceptional at her job."

A faint smile touched his lips before fading. "But it became more than that. We fell in love, though it was never supposed to happen."

Chloe's jaw tightened. She'd learned the truth about her mother's affair not long ago, but hearing it from him felt different. Rawer. "You were married."

Jason didn't flinch, his gaze unwavering. "I was. And I won't make excuses. Lihua deserved better than secret meetings and hidden moments. But our connection was..."

"Profound?" Chloe interrupted, her voice edged with anger.

Jason nodded. "Yes. But I failed her. I failed you both."

Chloe clenched her fists in her lap, her emotions swirling between anger and something she couldn't name. "If you loved her, why didn't you leave your wife?"

A shadow passed over Jason's face. "Obligations. Family expectations. But none of that matters now. I made my choices, and I've had to live with them."

Stillness settled between them, heavy and charged.

Finally, Jason spoke again, his voice low. "When she became pregnant with you, she didn't tell me. Lihua left. I had no idea she had fallen ill, no idea she'd passed away after giving birth to you. I didn't know about you until recently."

Chloe nodded, glancing at Damian, who sat quietly, letting her take the lead. "I know. My husband told me."

Jason nodded, his expression tightening with regret. "It was only when my good friend Alistair—Damian's father—uncovered the truth that I learned of your existence."

"Are you still married? And my two brothers, I know about your sons from the news. Do they know about me?" she asked.

Jason leaned forward, his gaze earnest. "My wife passed away two months ago. Your brothers know you are part of the Scott-Quinn family, Damian's wife. But they don't know the rest. When you're ready, I'll tell them."

Damian leaned forward, clasping his hands. "Jason, can you tell Chloe what you shared with me the other day?"

Jason's eyes flickered at Damian before focusing on Chloe. "I hope you'll let me tell you more about your mother and share photos. She was extraordinary."

Chloe's eyes brightened, her mind racing. "You have photos of her? I'd like to know what she looked like."

Jason walked to his mahogany desk and handed an envelope to Chloe. "Here. It's a copy of one I have."

Chloe unsealed the envelope, removing a photo of a woman outside the Las Vegas casino, pointing at her masterpiece—her architecture. The resemblance was uncanny: the same fox-like brown eyes, flowing black hair, small chin, and porcelain skin.

Chloe's mother.

"Thank you," Chloe whispered as a tear ran down her cheek. She handed the photo to Damian, who studied it with a hint of a smile.

Jason's gaze moved to Damian. "You both care for each other. How you look at one another reminds me of my love for Chloe's mother."

Damian's hand found hers, fingers intertwining. "My wife is the most important person in my life. I'd do anything for her. For us."

Jason nodded appreciatively. "Whatever I couldn't provide, I'm glad she found you. Just know that my door is open for you both."

Chloe studied his face—the subtle lines etched by time, the remorse shadowing his eyes. Despite everything, there was a sincerity she couldn't ignore.

Jason glanced between them. "I want you to know that whatever resources or support you need, I'm here."

Chloe opened her mouth to respond, but Damian spoke first. "There's something we wanted to share with you as well."

Jason raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh?"

Damian gave Chloe an encouraging nod. She took a steadying breath. "I'm... we're expecting."

Jason's eyes widened, a myriad of emotions flickering across his face—surprise, realization, and then something deeper, more profound. "You're pregnant?"

She nodded. "Fourteen weeks."

Silence stretched between them. Then, a genuine warmth spread across Jason's features. "I see. That means..."

"You'll be a grandfather," Damian finished, his tone respectful.

Jason leaned back in his chair, absorbing the news. "A grandfather," he repeated, almost to himself. The weight of the revelation settled over him, softening the sharp edges of his demeanor. "I don't know what to say."

Chloe watched him carefully. "We wanted you to know. We thought it was important."

He met her gaze, his eyes glistening ever so slightly. "Thank you."

"We understand this is a lot to take in. But we felt it was the right time," Damian added.

Jason nodded slowly. "It means more to me than you might realize. We are connected by blood."

Chloe felt a lump rise in her throat. The guarded man who had greeted them now showed a genuine desire to connect. "Thank you, Jason."

He stood then, signaling the end of their meeting. "You should be thanking your husband. He loves you. Perhaps, next time, we could have dinner. Less formality, more... family."

Damian rose beside Chloe. "We look forward to it."

Jason extended his hand, but Chloe stepped forward and embraced him. He returned the gesture, his arms gentle around her.

"We'll meet again," he murmured.

She pulled back, offering a small smile. "See you soon."

As they exited the grand room, Chloe glanced at Damian. "That went... better than I expected."

He grinned. "I had a feeling it would."

She nudged him playfully. "Oh, so you're a psychic now?"

"Just optimistic," he answered, his eyes twinkling.

They reached the elevator, and as the doors closed behind them, Chloe leaned into Damian's side. "Thank you for being here with me."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

She looked up at him, her eyes softening. "Our child is going to have quite the family."

He chuckled softly. "A bit unconventional, perhaps, but filled with love."

***

The elevator doors slid open to the hum of the casino, its neon lights cutting through the darkened lobby. Chloe detoured toward the restroom, leaving Damian waiting by the exit.

His thoughts slipped back to Gemma. Quiet wasn't her style—it was the calm before she set everything ablaze. The silence should've been a relief, but all he could think about was her next move. She wasn't done with him or Chloe. She never would be.

Damian's jaw tightened. He'd thought about eliminating her more than once. Making a call—just one call—and the problem would disappear. But the weight of that guilt? He wasn't ready. Not yet.

He couldn't sleep easy while she was still out there, though. Mina hadn't opened up much yet, either. She was holding back, like they all did at first. The weekends he spent with her felt like chipping away at a wall that refused to crumble. He had to be patient and careful.

Everything in its time.

"Earth to Damian?" Chloe's voice cut through the fog of his thoughts.

He turned toward her. She'd changed gears—red lips curved in a teasing smile, her eyes gleaming with that look that pulled him under. She knew exactly where his mind had been and how to yank him back.

"Sorry. Got distracted," Damian said, clearing his throat. "Ready to go?"

She smirked. "Only if there's a sweet drink at the end of this."

He opened the limo door with a grin. "Back at the hotel soon. How about a virgin mojito for the lady?"

"Read my mind." She slipped inside. "And throw in a foot massage. You've got magic hands, Dami."

He raised an eyebrow as he followed her in. "Careful with the compliments. You might end up paying for those."

Chloe looked at him sideways, an amused grin tugging at her lips. "You're not that expensive."

He chuckled. "Depends on the service."

Her smirk faded just a bit, eyes locking onto his. "You're good to me. You know that, right?"

Damian paused, his smile softening. "Only because you're worth it."

That rare moment of sincerity hung in the air until Chloe broke it with a laugh. "So, when do we get out of Vegas?"

"Two more days," Damian said, settling into the seat. "Figured we could hit the Grand Prix while we're here. You like speed."

Her eyes lit up. "You're speaking my language now."

"Fast cars, VIP lounges, roulette, blackjack... maybe a burlesque show tomorrow night. Got tickets for that, too."

Chloe raised an eyebrow, laughing softly. "Burlesque? Is that your thing, now?"

He leaned in, his smirk returning. "We can skip it. I don't need professionals. I've got my fantasy right in front of me."

She leaned closer, biting her lip just enough to drive him crazy. "Do you? How about we try blindfolds?"

His cock stirred to life. Chloe had that effect—never failed. She didn't need a stage, lights, or glitter to have him under her spell. Just her.

"Tonight?" he asked, voice dropping lower. "Sure you're up for it?"

Chloe's smile deepened, all innocence and mischief on her lips. "I'm feeling better, a little more energized. I want you to tie me up and blindfold me. Help me feel my other senses come alive."

She seemed so sweet and pure, like a doll.

But Damian knew better.

The woman was one big tease, all spice and heat. Her sultry stare and sexy pout were enough to get him hard.

***

A/N: We're more than halfway through this story! 🎉

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