Zayn Cole Virelli.

He recognized him right away from all the business articles, social media, and the files he’d gone through over the years.

The younger Virelli brother, CEO of La Virelli, was known to be more approachable than his older brother, but just as dangerous if crossed.

What are the odds of running into him here?

"Sir, I’m really sorry," Zayn said right away, seeing how protective Alexander was. "I totally messed up your daughter’s dress. Let me fix this."

"No, really, it’s fine," Alexander rushed to reply, trying to sound apologetic and respectful. "Stuff happens. Emma’s just a bit upset. She’ll be okay."

"I still feel awful." Zayn started to pull out his wallet, but Alexander waved him off.

"Please don’t," Alexander insisted, keeping his voice polite but firm. "There’s really no need, sir. There’s no need to apologize or make it up to us. It was just an accident."

But Zayn was determined. "It’s all my fault. At least let me pay for the dress."

"Actually," Alexander said, an idea popped into his head. "There is something you could do. If it’s not too much trouble."

"Sure, just tell me what you need."

"My daughter is a huge fan of La Virelli restaurant. Ever since she started her master’s program, she can’t stop talking about how much her classmates love it."

Alexander allowed himself a small, self-deprecating smile. "She’s wanted to eat there for months, but I know getting a reservation is... pretty tough."

Zayn’s face lit up with understanding, followed by relief. "Absolutely! Consider it done. Just let me..."

He pulled out his phone and dialed. "Marco? It’s Zayn. I need a table for two at the restaurant tonight. VIP section, eight PM... Yeah, I know we’re fully booked. Make it happen... Thanks."

He hung up and smiled at Alexander. "All set. The reservation’s under your name?"

"Kane. Alexander Kane."

"Great, Mr. Kane. Table for two, eight PM, VIP section." Zayn handed him his business card.

"And please, take this. If you or your daughter ever needs anything, and I really mean anything, just call me. That’s my direct line."

Alexander took the card, genuinely surprised by the kindness. "That’s really generous of you, Mr. Virelli. Thanks."

"Just Zayn, please." He smiled warmly. "And it’s really the least I can do after ruining her dress. Please tell her I’m sorry again. If there’s anything else I can do to make this better..."

"This is more than enough," Alexander reassured him. "Thanks, Zayn."

"My pleasure, Mr. Kane." Zayn looked over to where Emma had gone. "Your daughter seems really nice. I hope her friend in the hospital gets better soon."

"I’m sure she will. Thanks again."

With that, Zayn went back into the store to wrap up his own shopping.

It looked like he was getting something for his sister, leaving Alexander holding a business card from one of the most powerful men in the city.

Well, that was surprising.

And it could be really helpful.

Or super risky, depending on how things go.

*****

When Alexander got back to the car, he found Emma sitting in the passenger seat with her arms crossed, the messed-up dress on her lap still showing her annoyance.

"I can’t stand him," she said the moment Alexander got in. "Whoever that clumsy idiot was, I can’t stand him."

"Good news," Alexander said as he started the engine. "The reservation at La Virelli is set. We can go at eight o’clock tonight."

Emma’s anger disappeared right away. "Wait, really?"

"Yep."

"But how did you...?" She paused, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Dad, what did you do?"

Alexander let a small smile slip. "The man you were arguing with? That ’clumsy idiot’? That was Zayn Cole Virelli, the CEO of La Virelli restaurant. He booked the reservation for us to make up for it."

Emma’s jaw dropped. "That was Zayn Virelli?!"

"Yep."

"Oh my God." Emma covered her face with her hands, turning red with embarrassment. "I yelled at him. I called him a clumsy idiot. To his face. I told him I didn’t want his money."

"You really did."

"Dad!" Emma groaned. "Why didn’t you stop me?"

"You were on a roll. It didn’t seem like the right time to interrupt."

"I’m never going to live this down," Emma said quietly, still hiding her face behind her hands.

"Probably not," Alexander replied, trying not to laugh.

"Can I just stay in the car forever? I really don’t want to deal with anyone right now."

"You could," Alexander thought for a second. "But then you’d miss out on dinner at La Virelli, checking in on your friend at the hospital, and, you know, your whole master’s program."

Emma peeked through her fingers. "You’re enjoying this way too much."

"Maybe just a bit." He gently pulled her hands down.

"Here." He handed her Zayn’s business card.

"He gave me his direct number just in case we ever need him again. You should probably call him before dinner and say you’re sorry. He seemed like he really cared about you."

Emma looked at the card like it might explode. "I have to call Zayn Cole Virelli and apologize for yelling at him?"

"Yep."

"This is seriously my worst nightmare."

"Character building," Alexander said with a grin.

Emma shot him a look, but there was no real anger behind it. "Fine. I’ll call him after I’ve had time to mentally prepare. Maybe I’ll write a script and even hire a pro apology writer."

"Emma."

"Okay, okay. I’ll call him before dinner." She slumped in her seat. "This day has been a total disaster."

"Could be worse," Alexander pointed out.

"How?"

"You could have spilled coffee on him instead."

Emma actually laughed at that, her embarrassment starting to fade. "True. At least I’m not the one who needs to apologize for messing up expensive clothes."

"Silver linings," he said, grinning.

They cruised along in chill silence for a few minutes before Emma spoke up again, her voice a bit softer this time.

"Thanks, Dad, for booking the reservation. And for not making me feel worse about totally losing it with that CEO."

"That’s just what dads do," Alexander said simply.

Even if he was more of a pretend dad, he kept that thought to himself.