chapter588

A bright, genuine smile lit up Zach’s weathered face, his eyes misting over with emotion as he looked at the couple standing in the foyer. "Nate, Chubs... you’re finally here."

His gaze immediately dropped to the small, bundled figure in Nathan’s arms. "Come here," Zach said, his voice trembling slightly. "Let Great-Grandpa hold you."

Nathan carefully handed his son over. Zach walked straight to the sofa, his entire world narrowing down to the tiny, sleeping infant in his arms. He looked as if he were holding the most precious treasure in Norvania.

"Have you chosen a name yet?" Zach asked softly, his focus never wavering from the baby’s peaceful face.

Nathan took Mila’s hand and sat beside him. "Not yet, Grandpa. In fact, Mom and Dad decided the honor should belong to you."

Zach looked thoughtful for a moment, a sense of gravity settling over him. "Jasper," he suggested eventually. "How does that sound?"

Nathan considered it, a slow nod following. "Jasper Morrison. It’s a strong name, Grandpa. It carries the meaning of purity, nobility, and perseverance. It fits him perfectly."

Mila smiled, leaning her head against Nathan’s shoulder. "I love it too. Thank you, Grandpa."

The peace of the moment was briefly interrupted as the maternity nurse arrived to take Jasper upstairs for his rest. Zach handed the baby back with visible reluctance, his eyes lingering on his great-grandson until he disappeared from view. Seeing the flicker of loneliness in the old man's eyes, Mila felt a pang of sympathy.

"Grandpa," Mila said gently, "if you don’t mind the extra noise, Nathan and I were thinking... we’d like to move back into the manor."

Zach’s eyes widened with excitement. "Of course! This has always been your home. Nothing would make me happier than having this house full of life again."

"Then it’s settled," Nathan replied, squeezing Mila’s hand. He then reached into his pocket and produced a formal, gold-embossed invitation. "This arrived today. It’s from the President."

Zach took the card, looking surprised. "An invitation to the President’s residence?"

"His daughter, Lillian, is getting married," Nathan explained. "He’s personally requested your attendance. We’ll be accompanying you."

Zach opened the card, his expression turning curious as he read the names. "Yale Xander and Lillian Kimmel... I know the President’s daughter, of course, but the Xander name is unfamiliar. Is there a prominent family by that name I’m forgetting?"

Mila leaned forward, a thoughtful expression on her face. "In Norvania, we pride ourselves on equality, even in marriage. There’s no formal political screening for the relatives of officials anymore. It has its benefits, but it also leaves room for the unknown."

"There is always a private investigation, however," Nathan added. "From what I’ve gathered, Yale’s background is remarkably clean. Almost too clean."

Mila turned to Nathan, a playful yet pointed look in her eyes. "Just like when you investigated 'Suzanne York' back then? You scratched the surface and thought you knew everything, never realizing the person standing in front of you was someone else entirely."

Nathan went still, a flash of stunned realization crossing his features. He stared at Mila, the weight of her words—and the memory of their complicated beginning—hitting him all at once.

"Did I say something wrong?" Mila asked, her voice softening as she noticed his grim expression.

Nathan’s silence broke into a warm, appreciative smile. He reached out, caressing her cheek before pulling her into a brief, tender kiss. "No. You didn't say anything wrong. In fact, thank you for the reminder. Sometimes we only see what we expect to find."

Mila blushed, glancing toward Zach and covering her mouth. "Nate, Grandpa is right here!"

Zach only laughed, his heart gladdened by the sight of their happiness. "Don't mind me. After everything you two have been through, seeing such affection is the best medicine for an old man like me."

Nathan cleared his throat, a rare flush of embarrassment coloring his neck. "My apologies, Grandpa. I suppose I got carried away."

"Don't apologize for being happy, Nathan," Zach replied warmly. "In this house, we could use a lot more of it."