Catherine frowned, worry creasing her face. She knew Nestor was used to late-night business dinners, but it was hard to relax when he was still out drinking at this hour.
Lawrence glanced at her. Catherine gave a small nod. “Dad, just send me the address. I’ll come get you,” Lawrence said into the phone.
“Alright, I’ll send it,” Nestor replied, then hung up.
A moment later, a restaurant address popped up on Lawrence’s phone. Catherine sat up from his lap, smoothing her tangled hair and straightening her nightgown, her cheeks still flushed. “Come back soon, okay?”
Lawrence nodded and bent down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. There was a soft regret in his eyes, like he hated to leave. “Wait for me,” he said, his voice rough.
Catherine’s face grew even warmer. She watched him go, not taking her eyes off him until he disappeared out the door.
When the sound of the car faded, Catherine pulled her hair back and headed upstairs. She’d finally gotten up the courage to take a step forward with Lawrence, only to have it interrupted.
Still, Nestor was drunk and had asked for Lawrence personally. Lawrence really didn’t have much choice.
Sure, he could have sent someone else to pick Nestor up. It would have only taken one call. But if Lawrence wanted Nestor’s approval, he had to show up himself, take responsibility, and do what a real son-in-law should do. No one else could take his place.
Twenty minutes later, Lawrence walked through the hotel lobby and headed to a private dining room on the third floor. Nestor and a few clients were still at the table, faces flushed from the drinks. When Nestor spotted Lawrence, he beamed with pride. “This is my son-in-law. Make sure you all take care of him from now on.”
The other men quickly chimed in. “Of course, of course.”
Lawrence reached over to steady Nestor, who could barely stand. “Dad, let’s get you home.” He nodded politely to the others. “Enjoy the rest of your night. I’ll take him home.”
Once they left, one of the clients said in surprise, “Nestor’s son-in-law seems really dependable.”
In the car, Lawrence buckled Nestor’s seatbelt, got behind the wheel, and started toward The Blair Estate. Nestor fell asleep almost right away, mumbling now and then as the city lights flashed by.


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