Zayn showed up early, wanting to check out the Kanes before making himself known.

As he watched Emma bounce excitedly toward the entrance, chatting away with her dad about the building and the menu she had looked up online, he couldn’t help but smile, even with his brother’s warning still buzzing in his mind.

She’s the real deal, he thought. No matter what her dad might be hiding, she’s genuine.

He also noticed Alexander Kane, who seemed to always be on the lookout, his eyes scanning the area.

The protective hand he had on Emma’s back and the slight tension in his shoulders suggested he was ready for anything, even in this fancy restaurant.

Definitely hiding something, Zayn told himself.

But Emma? Emma was just really excited to enjoy a nice meal and see her sick friend afterward.

Zayn shook his head, still grinning, and followed them inside.

****

The inside of La Virelli was even more stunning than the outside.

Soft jazz played in the background, sparkling chandeliers cast a cozy light over tables covered in crisp white linens, and the scent of expensive wine and gourmet food filled the air.

"Good evening." The maître d’ came over with a friendly smile. "Welcome to La Virelli. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes," Alexander said. "Kane. Party of two."

The maître d’ checked his tablet, and his smile grew even bigger. "Ah, yes. Mr. Kane. We’ve been expecting you. This way, please."

He led them through the main dining area, where Emma tried hard not to stare at the other diners, all looking like they stepped out of fashion magazines.

They headed toward a private section separated by nice frosted glass panels.

"This is our VIP area," the maître d’ explained, opening a door to show a smaller, cozier dining space with only four tables, each set up for maximum privacy. "Mr. Virelli wanted to make sure you have the best experience. Your table, sir, madam."

He pointed to a table by the window with a perfect view of the city lights sparkling below.

Emma’s eyes went wide. "This is... awesome."

"Indeed." The maître d’ gracefully pulled out her chair. "Your server will be with you shortly. In the meantime, enjoy the complimentary champagne, courtesy of Mr. Virelli."

A server appeared as if on cue, pouring sparkling champagne into crystal flutes with expert precision.

Once they were alone, Emma looked at her dad with bright eyes. "Dad, this is incredible."

"It is," Alexander nodded, still scanning the room out of habit. He checked out the exits, looked at the security cameras, and kept an eye out for any potential trouble, even in this fancy place.

Emma pulled out her phone. "I’ve gotta take some photos. The girls in my program are going to freak out when they see this."

"Go for it," Alexander replied.

For the next few minutes, Emma snapped pics of everything: the table with its pretty china and silverware, the city skyline view, and the stylish decor with its soft lighting and modern art.

She even got a server to take a photo of her and Alexander together.

"Smile, Dad!" Emma leaned in, grinning at the camera.

Alexander smiled back, genuine warmth in his eyes as he glanced at his daughter. No matter what else he had going on, his love for Emma was real.

She’s the best part of my life, he thought. The only person who cares about me is for who she believes I am.

The server returned with leather menus.

"For our VIP guests tonight," the server said proudly, "the chef has put together a special seven-course tasting menu, if you’re interested. Each course comes with carefully chosen wines to enhance the flavors, but you can also order from our regular menu if you prefer."

Emma’s eyes lit up. "Seven courses? Dad, can we do the tasting menu?"

"If that’s what you want," Alexander said, amused by her excitement.

"Yes! Absolutely yes!" Emma told the server. "We’ll take the tasting menu, please."

"Great choice! I’ll let the kitchen know. Your first course will be out shortly."

*****

After the server left, Emma sipped her champagne and couldn’t help but giggle at the bubbles. "So, do you honestly think Ayla will be okay?"

Alexander looked thoughtful. "I’m sure she will be. The doctors are looking after her."

"I know, but..." Emma twisted her napkin nervously. "It was really scary, Dad. One second she was fine, laughing and telling stories about our classes and her sister, and then she just collapsed. It felt like something scared her."

"Sometimes stuff like this just happens," Alexander said gently. "It could be stress or some medical issue we don’t know about. Grad school can be pretty intense, especially on the first day. Try not to stress too much."

"I just hope she knows she has a friend," Emma said quietly. "When I was dealing with my own challenges, like my rough semester freshman year, having friends really helped."

"I remember," Alexander said, reaching across the table to hold her hand. "And I’m sure Ayla will love having you on her side."

Emma smiled and squeezed his hand back. "Thanks, Dad. You always know what to say."

If only you knew who I really am, Alexander thought. You wouldn’t think I was so great then.

The first dish came out, a beautiful amuse-bouche that looked more like art than food. A tiny quail egg sat on a little potato crisp, topped with caviar and microgreens, all arranged perfectly on a sleek black plate.

"Oh my God," Emma whispered, quickly pulling out her phone to snap a picture. "I don’t even want to eat it; it’s too pretty."

"That’s usually frowned upon in restaurants," Alexander replied dryly.

Emma laughed and carefully took a bite, closing her eyes in delight. When she opened them again, they were wide with amazement. "Okay, never mind. I want to eat all of this right now. Dad, this is literally the most delicious thing I’ve ever had!"

They worked their way through the courses, each one more impressive than the last.....