The Price Of His Name

l

g the sleep from my eyes. Across the room, my little sister, Sophia, was curled up in a ball under her blanket, her steady breathing filling the small space. In the

, sleepyheads! T

Jordan's room. "F

weetheart. Get up." She grumbled something incoherent but stretched her tiny arms before slowly opening her eyes. "I d

hat did the trick. She shot up, her eyes still groggy but

out of his room, looking half-as

Dad why your grades suddenly dropped

ile Jordan settled for his usual toast and eggs. I flipped

urry up and eat befor

h them until he was a bit like himself again. When the bus finally arrived, Sophia waved excitedly before climbing in, while Jordan gave me his usual nod of goodbye. As the bus pulled away, I exhaled, already dreading the day ahead. Work was a much-needed distraction. As a business co

consultation. He didn't book an app

g down my pen. "F

His dark hair was neatly styled, and there was something about the way he carried himself that made me immediately wary. He had the air

ming, lopsided grin. "Elena Parker, right? I

wrong. There are plenty of

low chuckle. "

for a moment.

ting his elbows on the desk. "Le

"You want my help, but you

Let's just say I need some business advice, and I'd l

notepad. "Fine. What kind o

t... an empire

an look. "You're be

keeps life i

ng simple. What's the biggest issue yo

hallenge is finding the right people to trust. Employees, partners,

"Sounds like you've

reach his eyes.

t just talking about business. There was someth

em of checks and balances. Background screenings, performance evaluations,

rs against the desk.

d. "What

, what would mak

what he asked, but how he asked it-like he wa

nesty. If I trust the people I w

teresting." He glanced at his watch and stood abru

. "Wait, t

d a grin.

e walked to the door. Just before le

d smile more. It suits yo

y shoulders. I clutched my file tightly, letting out a breath as I stepped out of the office building and into the crisp evening air. The streets buzzed with life-cars honking, pedestrians rushing past, street vendors calling out their last-minute deals. I started down the sidewalk, my thoughts tangled in frustration. My father needed money, and I had

s Grill

y dad. I hesitated for only a second before stepping forward, pushing open the glass door. Inside, the air was warm, filled with the scent of sizzling meat and freshly baked bread. The space was lively-servers weaving between tables, a bartender juggling o

ot her attention. She finally looked up, her gaze sweeping over me, assessing. "You'll hav

d. "Yes.

plate. By the time I reached their school, parents were gathered at the gates, chatting while waiting for their kids. The last few students trickled out, and then I spotted

squealed, runn

g her in a hug. "Hey, swe

ng her nose. "Boring. Mis

"That's because y

re, but I laughed. "Co

bout cafeteria food. By the time we got to the apartment, my

r homework, okay?" I ruffled her h

eah, yeah. Where are yo

it and come right back." I said, my eyebrows arched.

id with a wink. I shook m

e scent of old coffee and paper. He was at his desk, hunched over

e stood up, running a hand through his gr

. "What's

. "A shareholder from the loan company re

ffened

," he explained. "If this works, I might be

. that's g

ave a meeting wi

proceeded through th