His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

Chapter 71

I hesitated for a moment, but the challenge in his tone made me grin. "Sure, why not?"

We positioned ourselves at the edge of the pool, and as soon as Carlos gave the word, we took off. I wasn't a bad swimmer myself, but it quickly became clear that Carlos had the advantage. His movements were swift and effortless, while I struggled to keep up. By the time we reached the other side, I was panting, and Carlos barely seemed winded.

"You win," I said, laughing as I caught my breath. "I'll admit it, you're a better swimmer."

Carlos chuckled, pulling himself out of the water. "Don't feel bad. I've had a lot of practice."

We swam a few more laps, the playful competition easing the stress of the day. Eventually, though, we both grew tired and decided to call it a night.

"Let's grab a drink at the bar," Carlos suggested as we dried off.

I hesitated. "I'm not the best drinker, to be honest."

Carlos raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "I know. That's why I'm warning you not to overdo it."

I felt a mix of embarrassment and defiance rise up. "I'm not that bad," I muttered, though I knew it wasn't entirely true.

gave me a knowing look but said nothing more. We headed to the hotel bar, where I nursed a single drink, determined to keep my head clear for the

09:36 O Chapter 71

while. The exhibition was buzzing with excitement as investors swarmed the event, and to my surprise, I seemed to be at the center of it all. As

process it all as I collected business cards and made notes of potential follow-ups. It seemed like all the hard work was paying off. As soon as I had a moment to myself, I called Blair. "You won't believe what just happened," I said, trying to keep my

everything," Blair

day," I said. "Investors are coming out of nowhere, and I can hardly keep

his grin through the phone. "That's fantastic! I'll head over and help you sort through it all. We need

had a pile of letters in hand, and together, we worked through the details, strategizing for follow-up

the exhibition wound down, Carlos came to pick me up. I could see the familiar car waiting outside, and as I walked toward it, Carlos rolled

to head back to the

shook my head. "Not yet. I need to pick up Blair

but didn't argue. He simply nodded and waited for me to

09:36 C

Chapter 71

new partners went well, and by the time we finished dinner, I was a little tipsy. Blair helped me back to the hotel, but as we entered the lobby, I noticed Carlos sitting

walked over to Carlos. "How's your evening?" I asked, still feeling the buzz of the

up at me, his expression thoughtful. "Things went well for you today, I take

eagerly.