Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

As the dining room cleared out, only Jules and Morris were left sitting at the table. Jules was feeling a bit embarrassed, unable to muster any polite words for Morris. He awkwardly spoke up, "Nathan, about what Nathalie brought up earlier-I haven't agreed to it. It's not that I'm against you. It's just a big deal, and I need to talk it over with my family first."

Morris, casually fiddling with his teacup, seemed as relaxed as a sunny afternoon. "No need to explain, really. These things are mutual. You've got your concerns, and I've got mine. Maybe it's just that we're not meant to be."

Jules was taken aback by Morris' nonchalance. He had assumed Nathalie's idea of making Morris his godson was a strategic play to land Morris a powerful backer, and that Morris was part of the plan.

"Guess I got that wrong," Jules admitted, laughing awkwardly.

Morris gave him a sidelong glance, "Mr. Jules, with all your wealth, you might think everyone around you has an agenda. But this is about Nathalie's good name. I need to clear that up."

After a moment, he added, "Nathalie and I go way back, from simpler times. She values love over money. Her suggestion, strange as it was, was just about fulfilling a dream of mine. It wasn't about chasing the Sharp family fortune."

Jules' smile was a bit strained. "I get it now."

With that, Morris wheeled himself away, leaving Jules to take a long sip of his drink, feeling oddly like he'd just lost a huge sum of money by turning Morris down.

and disappointment washed

in the kitchen, Nathalie was busy at the sink, with Lincoln looming like

here," Nathalie said, finding her father

Lincoln hesitated, "Vivian."

mind, Nathalie cut to the chase, "Dad, are you wondering why I was so out

looked her in the eye, "You don't seem to regret it. That means it wasn't

to find Nathan a home. That

asked, "Why

one to lie easily, felt a bit flustered. "I

well. You're usually so level-headed, it's not like you to act rashly. I've thought about it and can only think of one reason: there's a family connection between Jules and Nathan.

staring at her father. "How did you figure

younger days. Even though Nathan wore sunglasses, his mannerisms were a dead ringer for Jules back

have similar taste

and

left-handed. That's how