His name was Nathaniel

98

The day started like any other.

Nathaniel arrived at Donovan Enterprises earlier than necessary, already reviewing reports before most employees had even entered the building. His mornings were quiet, efficient, uninterrupted. Just the way he liked them.

But today, something was different.

It wasn't just the usual corporate chatter in the background. There was a distinctive buzz in the air—excited murmurs, hushed conversations, the occasional gasp of joy.

Nathaniel didn't think much of it. Office gossip wasn't something he concerned himself with.

But then, in passing, he overheard it.

"...She's really pregnant? That's amazing!"

"She just told us this morning! We're already planning the baby shower."

Nathaniel barely reacted.

It was a personal announcement, something that had no relevance to him or his business. And yet, as he entered the elevator, standing alongside a few junior employees still discussing the news, a single thought flickered in his mind.

A child changes everything.

He didn't linger on the idea.

Instead, he pushed it aside, refocusing as the elevator doors opened to his floor.

But the feeling lingered.

Not enough to disturb him.

Just enough to make him aware.

⸻

By mid-morning, Nathaniel found himself in a surprisingly productive meeting with his apprentice.

The first few weeks had been rough, filled with clashes and frustration. Nathaniel had doubted, more than once, whether he had made the right choice. But today, for the first time, something shifted.

"...And if we adjust the pricing strategy here," his apprentice said, pointing to the report on the desk between them, "we can maximize investor interest without compromising long-term stability."

Nathaniel leaned back slightly, scanning the numbers.

It was a solid proposal.

More than solid.

It was smart.

Nathaniel tapped a finger against the desk, his mind calculating quickly. "You caught something I missed."

His apprentice smirked. "I know."

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "Careful."

The younger man laughed. "Just saying—maybe I'm actually good at this."

Nathaniel exhaled, "We'll see."

But deep down, he was... impressed.

He would never say it—not yet, anyway—but his apprentice was proving to be more than just a lucky pick.

Maybe—just maybe—he had been the right choice after all.

⸻

Edward wasn't nearly as impressed.

Nathaniel should have expected it.

The moment his father summoned him to his office, he knew exactly where the conversation was headed.

Edward stood near the window, hands clasped behind his back, posture rigid. A familiar stance—the kind he always took before delivering a speech meant to cut through Nathaniel's patience.