It was both exhilarating and terrifying—a vulnerability I hadn't allowed myself in decades.
"There you are!"
Miles's voice shattered the moment.
We turned in unison to find him striding toward us, confidence personified in an expensive suit and perfectly styled hair.
My son, yet so often a stranger to me.
The physical resemblance between us had never seemed more pronounced—or more superficial—than in this moment.
"Dad. Savannah."
He reached us and moved in to give Savannah an awkward hug that made something dark and primitive stir in my chest.
"Sorry, I'm late. The Madison Street contractors called with another issue."
"I'm sure your father can help resolve it," Savannah said, stepping subtly away from his touch.
"He seems to have a talent for solving... complicated situations."
Our eyes met briefly over Miles's shoulder, the double meaning of her words hanging between us.
"That's why we're here, isn't it?" Miles said, oblivious to the undercurrents.
"Westlake needs Savannah's marketing genius, and you need to sign off on bringing her on board."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Is that what this meeting is about? I was under the impression Ms. Blake was providing consultation, not joining the company."
"Well, that's what we should discuss over lunch," Miles said, his hand finding the small of Savannah's back in a proprietary gesture that made my jaw tighten.
"I've been trying to convince her to come work with us directly. Merge her talents with Turner Holdings permanently."
The implication was clear, and not just professionally.
Miles still considered Savannah his territory, was using this business opportunity as a way to reclaim what he'd lost.
"An interesting proposition," I said carefully.
"Though I wonder if Ms. Blake values her independence too much for such an arrangement."
Savannah's eyes met mine, understanding the layers of my statement.
"I do value my autonomy," she agreed.
"And I'm selective about who I... partner with."
"Everyone has their price," Miles said with the casual arrogance that had become his trademark.
"It's just a matter of finding the right offer."
I watched something harden in Savannah's expression, a reminder of why their relationship had failed.
Miles had never understood her value beyond what she could do for him, how she might enhance his image or advance his goals.
"Shall we continue this discussion over lunch?" I suggested, deliberately placing myself between them as we moved toward the exit.
