Page 112 of Under Construction

Their amusement dies when they step outside. Instead of finding just the Lexus in its usual lonely spot, they spot a black Maybach SUV idling in the lot, its windows tinted darker than legal.

Dennis would recognize his father's car anywhere.

The passenger door opens. His father's assistant emerges, circling to the driver's side before opening the rear door with practiced efficiency. He meets Dennis’s eyes with a pointed smile.

If Dennis wasn't used to his father's dramatic interventions, he'd find this creepier than it already is.

He glances up at Chris with a warm smile. Their arms brush as he says, "Wait for me in the car?"

"Take your time, princess." Chris squeezes his hip before heading to the Lexus.

Inside, the SUV's rear seats face each other like a mobile boardroom—his father's preferred setup, because heaven forbid he waste five minutes away from work.

His father sits there in his three-piece suit, one leg crossed over the other, studying files from a manila folder. He doesn't acknowledge Dennis’s presence.

"You didn't have to come all the way here," Dennis says, settling into the opposite seat.

His father doesn't look up. "I wouldn't have if you answered your phone."

"I've been busy."

"Busy spending all the investors' money." His father's tone could stop a heart mid-beat.

"But it's working." Dennis keeps his voice steady despite the familiar sting.

"Which is why we're holding a preview gala for them. Keep them happy with project updates." His father finally looks up, gaze cutting. "We should also look for more investors if material invoices are going to come with more than six zeros on them. I'm sure you'll handle that."

Ah, so it's important. Not that it matters—even good news makes his father frown. But nothing can dim Dennis’s mood lately. This project will make his father proud, he can feel it.

"The governor's attending," his father switches to Korean, like he always does for serious matters. "Along with every major developer in Northern California."

Oh. It really IS important.

"When's the gala?"

"Two weeks from now. And I'm expecting you to have a presentation ready with data and graphs for the investors." His father peers at him over his glasses. "ROI projections, profit margins, market forecasts—things that matter. I don't want any of that design and dreams nonsense." He returns to his files.

Dennis keeps his gaze forward. Any other day, he'd bristle at his father's dismissal and these sudden demands, but he refuses to let anything spoil his good mood.

"'K. Anything else?"

His father stares him down. "Your mother is leaving tomorrow. Make sure to come say goodbye."

His mother's stayed longer this visit, and as grouchy as his father is, he seems almost... pleasant. The signs are subtle—Dennis’s head is still attached to his shoulders, and he hasn't been frozen solid yet. But his father's barely mentioned the missed calls, content to let Jason handle the day-to-day reports, probably mellowed by his wife's tranquil presence.

Love really does change people.

"Got it." Dennis softens a bit. Feeling generous in his good mood, even though he knows he'll regret it: "Let me know if you want to do anything before she goes."

His father nods without looking up.

Dennis is pleased. This went surprisingly well. He pats his thighs, the sound final. "If that's all, goodnight then."

"Mmm."

He steps out of the SUV and heads straight for Chris, who's already getting out to open his door. Dennis doesn't care if anyone—including his father—sees.

Love makes you brave. Or maybe just reckless.

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