I Crashed His Meeting to Give Him a Son

Just a moment ago, Khai Howell's phone lit up with persistent calls from his grandfather, Jovanni Shaw. After sending it to voicemail for the eighth time, a barrage of WhatsApp messages appeared on his screen.

"Kid, the girl from the West family is your childhood friend. It's already 7:30 PM, and you still haven't shown up. Are you trying to drive me to an early grave?"

"Reach out to her immediately. If you miss this meeting again, I'll make sure your entire company feels it!"

"You have exactly 10 minutes to message her. If you don't, I'll jump out the window, and you'll be the one burying me!"

"Only 8 minutes left!"

[Coffin emoji]

Jovanni sent a coffin emoji, a not-so-subtle reminder that if Khai stood up Miss West again tonight, he'd be pushing his grandfather closer to the grave.

Khai sighed deeply, sliding his phone into his suit pocket.

The Miss West his grandfather mentioned was Zara West, the cherished youngest of the West family, who had been doted on by her five older brothers all her life. The Wests were nearly as prominent in London as the Howells were.

Even before their children were born, the families had arranged their engagement. Only after five sons did the Wests finally have their treasured daughter.

Khai had met Zara a few times during their childhood, remembering her as the little girl who liked to cling to him, calling him "brother." She was absolutely adorable, with a gentle voice and a sweet disposition.

When Zara was five, she disappeared. A decade later, she returned to the West family, and Khai couldn't shake the feeling that the Zara he knew as a child was different from the grown-up version standing before him.

Zara, however, remained fond of Khai and openly expressed her affections when they reunited, despite Khai seeing her only as a sister. He had made this clear countless times, emphasizing that he didn't share her romantic feelings.

Yet, Zara persisted, sending countless letters each year filled with dreams of their future together.

To Khai, Zara was the only "sister" he had truly cared for. Because of this bond, he didn't want to hurt her more than necessary. However, if he didn't clarify their relationship during this visit, Zara might end up being hurt the most.

So, he decided—

"Maeve Riley, I need you to come with me tonight."

Maeve stopped in her tracks, turning around with a puzzled look. "Hang on, mister, I'm not that kind of girl!"

Khai chuckled, "What are you thinking? Do you really believe I'd be interested in someone as short as you?"

"I'm short?!" Maeve rolled her eyes in disdain. "I'm at least 5'3", and with the right guy, it's a perfect height difference. Unlike you, who's so tall all you can see is dandruff!"

Khai had never met someone who disliked tall people before, and her words brought a rare amused smile to his usually stoic face.

"You mentioned you only offer your talents. What talents do you have?"

Maeve straightened up confidently, "Talents? I've got plenty—singing, dancing, handling kids, self-defense, English, Japanese, Korean, French, advanced English, computer skills, public speaking perfection, pastry chef, accounting, firefighter certification, childcare expertise, and a five-star household management credential. If I listed them all, it would take ages."

Khai was impressed by her capabilities and felt a pang of guilt. If he had kept her by his side after their past encounter, would she have had to work so hard?

Khai's long lashes lowered slightly, and he pressed his lips into a firm line. "Alright, I'll pay for your time."

Khai elegantly tore a check from his book and handed it to her. "I only need you for ten minutes tonight to help me record a video. Once we're finished, the check is yours, with no limit on the amount."

He figured she had pursued all those certifications due to financial necessity, so he concocted this opportunity to give her money without hurting her pride.

He expected Maeve to politely refuse, but to his surprise—

"Sorry, mister, I must’ve been sleepwalking. Let me rephrase that." She cleared her throat and then flashed a dazzling smile. "Sure thing, mister. What kind of video do you need? As long as it’s not anything dodgy, I'm in."

Her coy, sweet voice made Khai's self-control falter.

He frowned slightly, trying to dispel inappropriate thoughts from his mind. "Don't worry, I only need a shot of your back."

The task seemed simple enough, and with such a lucrative offer, Maeve had no inclination to question why Khai needed this unusual video.

Regardless of the reason, she was only interested in the money.

"Alright, where should we go to film?"

Felipe Lewis, who had been observing the conversation nearby like an audience at a live drama, finally snapped out of his stupor to fulfill his duties.

"Khai, I studied cinematography in college. Let me handle it!"

Realizing that filming single-handedly would be awkward, Khai agreed. "Alright." With that single word, he acknowledged Felipe's usefulness.

Felipe felt an exhilarating thrill. How lucky was he to get to shoot a romantic video for the typically aloof Khai Howell?

"The video should keep her identity under wraps. I don't want the Wests to find out and cause her trouble," Khai instructed.

Felipe understood immediately—this was all to make Zara reconsider her pursuit.

"Got it. Please, Khai, and Miss Riley, head to the lounge. It's quieter, making it easier to pose."

"Pose?" Maeve asked, puzzled.

Felipe quickly explained, "Miss Riley, this video aims to deter a persistent admirer. So, you need to make it look like you and Khai are close."

Felipe gestured, instructing them, "You're supposed to be a couple, so standing so far apart won't work. Yes, get closer, wrap your arms around his waist, and lean into him..."

Maeve hesitated, "Isn't that too intimate?"

Felipe swiftly drew Maeve aside, painting Khai as the victim of an overly obsessed admirer. As an executive assistant, Felipe's persuasive storytelling quickly swayed Maeve to sympathize with Khai.

Outraged, she exclaimed, "Seriously? People do that?"

"Yes, absolutely shameless. So, to make her give up, you need to act close to Khai, maybe even make her jealous enough to walk away."

"Got it, leave it to me!"

Revitalized, Maeve returned to Khai's side, slipping effortlessly into her role.

"Ready when you are," she announced.

Felipe signaled with an "ok" gesture and hit record on his phone, saying, "Action."

At his cue, Maeve threw her arms around Khai, laughing playfully as she nestled into his embrace.

Her height was just right for pressing against the warmth of his chest. He smelled incredible, an intoxicating scent. She tried to calm her racing heart as her soft hands encircled his waist, feeling his toned abs beneath her touch.

The intense male presence almost took her breath away, but Khai seemed even more affected.

As she pressed herself to him, he felt a softness he had never known.

Maeve's fragrance was like a potent allure, making his dark eyes deepen, almost spilling over like ink.

He reflexively wrapped his arm around her slim waist. His white shirt absorbed her warm breath, heating his skin beneath it...