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“Kids, enough,” Dad intervenes, rubbing his temples, then glances at Mom with a resigned expression. “Let’s talk about something that’s not making me want to beat someone. We’re just happy all three of you could join us for dinner. And… we’d love to share some exciting news.”

“What news?” Liam asks, raising a brow.

“Well, we had lunch with the Hardys yesterday.”

Not surprising. They live on the same property.

“We believe it’s time for us to make it more obvious to the world that Hardy and Thomas are one—family and business combined, still the biggest in this country. And we have the perfect way to do that.”

Mom smiles nervously, glancing at me. “I want you all to listen before making any comments.”

“I don’t know anything about this,” Liam mutters. “Nick didn’t mention it last night when we met.”

At the mention of Nick’s name, a shiver runs down my spine. Heat floods my body, rushing from head to toe like a wave I didn’t see coming.

Nick. Nickolas Hardy.

The most infuriating man I’ve ever seen.

And the most handsome, but who’s paying attention to that insignificant detail?

He’s now a famous NHL player and a business partner. We’ve all known each other since kindergarten. They lived next door to us, and we spent every vacation together—until high school and college pulled us apart.

They’re six brothers. All boys.

My life back then? A never-ending parade of overprotective shadows.

Now we all try to meet at family gatherings and business matters, but I haven’t seen Nick in ten years—not since he moved to London to start his hockey career. And honestly? I’m fine with it. I don’t miss watching him parade a different woman around every night.

It’s easier this way—just exchanging a text and a birthday gift twice a year.

Besides, the media documents every second of his life. Articles, photos, women—all proof that he hasn’t changed. Not even a little.

My dad and John, Nick’s dad, started everything together. One big company—Hartho. They quickly became the biggest name in the country and, when it was time for us to take over, we split the empire in two.

Now we have Thomas Real Estate and Hardy IT Technology, both operating under the large Hartho Company. We work independently, but our businesses are deeply intertwined and thriving.

Since Nick spends most of his time in London playing for The Lions, he opened an office there. The rest of us are based here, in New York, working from the Hartho building.

“What? No. This is the most insane idea I’ve ever heard. Ser won’t do that,” Zayn shouts, suddenly springing from his chair.

Wait.

What?

What is he talking about?

Oops.

It’s the second time in the last hour that I’ve completely zoned out.

“I know it’s something you didn’t expect, but please just listen,” Mom says, calmly, motioning toward Liam’s empty chair. “Liam, sit down. We don’t want to make a scene.”

Reluctantly, he sits. And then…

Dad starts talking. Calm. Steady.

Explaining their plan.