The press conference went better than it has been in the past. Reporters asked me questions about the renewal of my collaboration with Donavan Enterprise. After my responses, Dallas had talked to more than twenty new clients that wanted to work with Colten and I. There were also some questions that took me by surprise, but lucky Mathew was able to make a quick response.

The plan was to do the press conference, stay in my office as I got caught up on paperwork, pick up Millie and Jona from school, and head home, but things changed. Mr. Colten Donavan wants to talk 'business'. When I say business, it's not 'we're fucking on you desk' type of business.

"Are you even listening to me, Niki?" he asked as I leaned back in my chair with eyes closed.

"Yep," I nodded. "Well, I stopped listening when you asked why Mathew was here."

"I thought we were partners," he stated.

"Did you just forget why we were just in the conference room a few minutes ago," I asked, looking at him. "We are partners."

"Well, it doesn't seem like it when you're making changes without me knowing anything."

"Colten," I started, leaning up. "We are business partners. We help each other. In this case, I help you. Antonelli Enterprise is my Company and Donovan Enterprise is yours. What goes on in my company is my business and what goes on in yours is your business. So, I don't know why you're getting so worked up on it."

"It's the fact that you have a man that is targeting my-"

"He said that he would never target her, Colten," I said. "He has nothing against her."

"Then why is one of my guys shot?"

"I don't know," I said as Dallas and Mathew walked in. "But how about you ask him?"

Thinking back to the time where I had a huge crush for Colten is so funny. How could I have a thing for a man who almost acts like a man child? He's upset that Mathew is now allowed back in the state and clearly has some kind of beef with him. What is it? I don't know and I could care less. Mathew has been a family friend to me since I was born. Hell, he was the first person I felt safe with after everything went down with my parents. I trust him and whatever Colten has to say bad about him, I won't listen nor will I believe it.

"If it makes you feel any better, I have one of my guys that I trust with my life working on the situation." Mathew said.

"Whatever." Colten sighed, rolling his eyes as my grandfather walked in.

Taking one look from Colten, I see the fire burning in his eyes. Before he could reach for his gun, I stood up and handled the situation.

"I think it's best for you to leave, Colten." I said as my grandfather took a hint of what I'm doing.

With nothing left to say, Colten left. With him and his childish behavior out of my office, I start to wonder why my grandfather is here. After he gave me the company, he never came. So, is there something wrong?

"When did you get back in town?" I asked as he took a seat in front of my desk.

"Just now," he said as Dallas handed me a folder.

"What's this?" I asked, opening it to see an FBI report on Colten.

"Before Dallas became your and Colten's assistant, she worked for the Feds," grandfather started. "She was doing a case on Colten Donavan but she came to a deadend. Because I have connections with the FBI, CIA, and the police, she got into contact with me and asked me for help. So, I helped her."

"What was the case about?" I asked, as Mathew took the folder.

"In June 2019, a Russian princess was murdered," he said. "It was immediately a close case since the US doesn't get into the Russian business, but it was reopened when the US senator's youngest daughter was murdered."

"And Colten's file was opened because?"

"Because both girls went to his club," Dallas stated. "From what he told investigators, they were both 'hard to get girls'."

"They were both killed sixteen miles from his house." Mathew said.

"Why am I being told about all of this right now?"

"Because the Russian princess and the senator's daughter were connected in the mafia business," grandfather explained, standing. "They were also clients to this company when Josh and I were running the company."

"Is that why Colten hates you and Mathew?" I asked as he turned to look at me, then to Mathew, who looked down and walked toward the windows.

"Colten and his father have hated our family and Mathew's for years. There's no doubt that Josh has rolled in his grave several times."

"He's grandfather's dead?" I asked, standing.

"Yes and your grandfather believes that he was murder." Mathew said.

"Papa?"

"It was before you and your brothers came to live with us," he said. "Your grandmother was sick and I was doing everything I could to help her. It was raining hard so I couldn't take her to the hospital. Right after I gave her medicine, there was a knock at the door and it was Josh. He had come by because almost all of the money in the company was gone. He said that he had proof that it was his son. Colten's father. I believe him because we had told James that the company would fail if he was still his reckless self. Thing was, we needed proof. I had Josh to stay until the storm died down and when it did, he left. He never told me where he was off to, but when he wasn't at the office or at his, I went to his home and found him with a gunshot wound to his head."

"So, you think it was Colten and his father?" I asked.

"Colten, no" Mathew said. "He was off in Russia at the time."

"James had an alibi from his wife which matched." Dallas said as Vanessa walked in.

"I'm in the middle of something, Vannessa," I said. "What is it?"

"No one was in the front so I brought you Mr. Donavan."

"I just talked to him. What does he want-"

Before I could finish, Drake came into my eye sight. From what I know, Drake and Colten don't work together. If they did, Colten would tell me about it, but he hasn't, so why is he here?

"I did what you wanted." he said, walking over to my mini bar.

"And?" Mathew asked.

"Nothing. I couldn't find anything," Drake said as we stared at him. "Oh. Hey beautiful."

"What did you have him do?" I asked, facing Mathew.

"I had him find out what happened with my guy and Colten's"

"The guy is unconscious," Drake said. "The nurse said she'll call me when he wakes up."

"Your brother hates Mathew," Grandfather stated. "Your father too."

"And your point?" he asked, handing my grandfather a glass.

"Wouldn't you feel the same?"

"I did at first but when Alison helped me with my drug addiction instead of talking down to me and treating me as a son, I got over it."

Never in my life have I known my grandparents, had I ever seen Drake. So, hearing this, it takes me by surprise.

"Well, there's things that I have to do but I'll pick you up." Mathew said.

"Where?" Here or at the house?" I asked as grandfather looked over at the both of us.

"The house so you can change." he said, walking out.

"Okay."

As Mathew and Drake walked out, leaving me with Dallas and my grandfather, I started to pack. As I did, I felt his eyes staring at me. Knowing exactly why, I stayed looking down until I couldn't take it anymore.

"Yes, papa." I sighed.

"He's taking you out to dinner?"

"Do you have a problem with that?" I asked.

"No," he said, smiling wide. "As a matter of fact, he's good for you."

"Papa, he's twice my age." I nearly yelled.

"I was twice your grandmother's age," he said, standing. "And besides. He likes you, so give him a chance."

"Papa, I don't-"

"He came back for you."

"What do you mean," I asked as he looked over at Dallas. "Dallas?"

"There was a time where your grandfather couldn't handle a situation, so he got in touch with Mathew's mother. Because of what his family is, his father only gave him six months. But they got the issue done before time."

"What is his family?" I asked.

Expecting a response from either of them, I got nothing. For my whole life that I've known Mathew, I've always known him as a mafia leader. By the way that Dallas and my grandfather are acting, he's either a mafia leader or something else. Or even both. Who knows? I mean they'll know but I don't and no one wants to tell me. Why?

"Papa. Dallas. Is anyone going to tell me?"

"Mathew's from a royal family," grandfather stated. "He's forty and according to his father, he's supposed to be king. Thing is, he needs a wife. That's why he's here."

"To find himself a wife?"

"No, Niki," he said, taking my hands. "To marry you."

When I say that something is too much, I mean all of it is too much. First of all, I have to get Colten in check, then I have the family business. I just learned that Mathew is soon to be king, and to top everything off, he wants to marry me. And let's not forget about the family gala that's coming up that I'm supposed to plan. Talk about the world on my shoulders.

Processing everything that I just heard, I sat back down. Why would Mathew want to marry me when I have a company here and my birthright family business here? Why me anyway? I'm not complaining because just look at him. He's the deffion of sexy, but why me? I'm not even royal blood. I'm more than sure that there's a whole line of princess just dying to be married to him. So why me?

I don't know how long I was in my own head but when I came to, both my grandfather and Dallas were gone. Seeing that the sun was setting, I looked over at me phone light up to see six miss calls from Mathew

I forgot the date.

Sighing, I leaned forward and called Dallas through my office phone.

"Is there anything left I have to do here today?"

"There's a last minute meeting that the Romez's called in for."

"Should I go?" I asked.

"He's a new client that would want to meet up with you since you've been announced into the mafia business." Dallas answered.

"Okay. I'll change now before leaving."

"Alright and Mathew's on his way."

"I'm going by ,yself."

"I'm coming in."

What is it with men thinking that when a woman becomes a CEO and a mafia leader, she needs following? After finding what Mathew is, I need to be by myself to process things.

Waiting for Dallas, I take out a tight, releveling dress and head into the restroom. Changing, I thought about what of I accepted Mathew's proposal if he did ask me. Growing up, I never thought about a future with him. Mainly because I was young and saw him as an uncle, but now, I don't see him that way. I have small crushes about him here and there, but now, I don't know how to feel about him. I never was in a relationship. A good one at that.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I take a huge sigh and walk out. Expecting to see Dallas, I found him instead.

"Adam Romez thinks we're married," he said, handing me a wedding band. "According to Dallas, there will be problems if we don't live up to it."

"Why," I asked, putting the ring on. "So, you can pretend that I'm queen?"

"I wanted to tell you nut-"

"Why me, Mathew?"

"Because why not," he asked. "You're an amazing woman that will get things done."

"But I have the company here and now the family's business," I explain. "Don't you think that you wanting to marry me would weigh even more on my shoulders?"

"At first no because I never thought that your grandfather would give you the family business," he said, walking towards me. "But now, I realize that my wants didn't matter. That's why I didn't tell you."

"I can't anymore," I said, burying my face in my hands. "I want to give up. Just hand the company off to someone else, but I can't. Everyone expects me to be the perfect daughter who can carry the world on her shoulders, but I'm tired."

"Then stop," Mathew said, pulling me into his arms. "Take a break."

"I can't," I said, sighing as I pulled away. "I cant."

"Why Niki," he asked, following me. "Why won't you let people take care of you?"

"Because back home with my parents, I had to be the role model. I had to protect Steven and Naten even though they were older than me. I went on this until we lived with our grandparents and it got easier. Then it all started up again when my grandfather gave me this company and now the family business," I explained. "I don't want anyone taking care of me because I'm so used to taking care of myself, that I wont be used to the feeling."

I've been working everyday since I was given this company and I'm tired. I just want to give in, but I did that once. Back then, I was nothing but in love, weak, and blind. I trusted my first love when he told me that he'll take care of me. Like a fool, I trusted him and got my great brokenness. I told myself never again, but here I am. Wanting to love the man that is in love with me.

Taking a deep breath, I felt Mathew's arms wrap around me. I wanted to push him away, but I gave in. I've never given in and showed anyone this side of me, but with Mathew, it's different.

"I got you, my love," he whispered. "Let me take care of you."

"No." I groaned in my chest.

"Yes. I will and I am," he said, holding my face with both hands. "So get used to it."

Laughing, I stayed in his arms until Dallas walked in. Not wanting to move, I assumed Dallas told Mathew, because the next thing I heard was the door closed. Looking up at him, he stared down at me and kissed my noise.

"Mr. Romeo rescheduled since Dallas wasn't able to get in touch with Colten," Mathew said, brushing his thumb across my lips. "So, since we're both dressed, how about dinner?"

"But I'm tired," I whined, leaning back, causing him to pull me toward him. "And my feet hurt."

"Then let's go to the house and I'll cook you something."

"But I want to be alone with you."

"And yet you won't let me take care of you," he said as I pulled away to pack up. "Let me take care of you for tonight."

"Fine," I said, grabbing my purse. "So, where are we going?"

"I have a place."

"Here?" I asked as we walked out.

"Yeah. Before I came over, I stayed there for a few days."

"Oh."

Nodding and agreeing that we were going to Mathew's home, we walked into the elevator, walked through the empty lobby, and to Mathew's car. On our way there, I had this funny feeling that someone was watching us. Looking around, I couldn't tell what or who it was.

"Are you okay?" Mathew asked, taking notice of my action.

"I have this funny feeling that someone's watching us." I said, causing him to look around.

"I don't see anything," he said, taking my hand. "It might be because you're tired and need to rest."

"How long are you going to go on with this?" I asked as Mathew held my face.

"Until you let me see the real you."

I never let anyone see 'the real me'. It made me feel weak. After all, it was my very own parents that made me who I am today. They're also the reason why I close myself from everything and everyone. But with Mathew. Maybe I can open myself to him a little. After all, I trust him.