Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

Lincoln and Jules were still locked in their chess match, neither gaining an upper hand after several rounds. When Lincoln saw Nathalie step into the room, he paused the game with curiosity. "Vivian," he asked, "weren't you busy in the kitchen? You've left Nathan alone in there, and he's not exactly nimble. How's he supposed to manage on his own? What's up with that?"

Jules, not impressed, chimed in, “Come on, Lincoln, what kind of dad are you being? Vivian's a young lady-delicate and all that. The kitchen's no place for her. You're not planning on turning this little princess into some rough-and-tumble chef, are you?"

Lincoln crossed his arms, a bit defensive. "Jules, I didn't know you could be so sneaky. Do I really need you pretending to care about my daughter? Trying to stir up trouble between us?"

Jules chuckled mischievously. "Sure, Vivian's your daughter, but she's my niece too. You know I've never married or had kids, which I regret. We're like brothers, Lincoln, so isn't your girl like my own?"

Lincoln shook his head, clicking his tongue in disbelief.

Jules leaned in, playful yet earnest, "Lincoln, you're a smart guy, and Vivian's got your brains and beauty. Here's a thought I'd love to make her my goddaughter. What do you say?"

Lincoln jumped up, pointing at Jules, simmering with anger. "Jules, I thought of you as a brother, and now you're trying to take my daughter away? That's low!"

Jules grinned, "Hey, calm down! I've got Vincent Corporation, which is way richer than your Stewart Enterprise. If Vivian becomes my goddaughter, she'll have a stake in it when I'm gone."

Lincoln's eyes flared with determination. "Oh, it's on! I'll work my tail off to one-up you. One day, my Vivian won't have to lift a finger. She'll just sit back and count her money."

you haven't changed-still as fiery and competitive as

stay out of it. Instead, she settled into a chair, lost

the kitchen

like a pro, looking as intense as a hitman.

up

took the tray from him and set it on

kontable. Back and forthe

velvet

she

until the table was

dishes. with

had no idea

a tender glance

a fork, and k, and then