THE LAWYER'S FORBIDDEN SON

School, casting long golden shadows across the blue field. Heat radiated off t

The golden number twelve on his dark blue jersey caught the sunlight. Around him, the stadium stood quiet, em

d top corporate lawyer, Julian was the undisputed golden boy of Highland Park football. Every pl

's voice boomed across t

y stepped into formation. Marcus Vance stood in the center, holding a clipboard in one hand and a whistle

ounced, his voice carrying no warmth. "He transferred in from South Oak C

inebacker and Julian's long-time friend, scoffed quietly. "South Oak Cliff? That is

, his laser glare freezing Tyler in

rk shorts, and worn black cleats that had seen better days. His dark hair fell loosely across his forehead,

y Eli stood, relaxed yet ready to spring into action,

n a water cooler. "Julian, you take the first team offense. Eli, you take the second team

i said softly, his

e scanned the defensive secondary. Eli was back there, standing ten yards d

" Julian c

wide across the middle. It was a route they had run a thousand times. Julian stepped i

a dark blur cut

ball even reached its peak. He leaped into the air, reaching up with long arms, and

cked the ball into his side, and jogged three st

ctice field we

emained extended, his chest heavy as he stared at Eli in total disbeli

celebrate. He did not talk trash. He just gave Julian a quie

d. For the first time all afternoon, a faint nod of approval showed on Marcus's hard f

s. His father never praised players during practice

les turning white as he grip

down the right sideline for his fastest wide receiver. He put everything he had

e spinning ball through the bright sky, leaped near the sideline, and swatted t

tle blew

rcus shouted, clicking his

ysical fatigue, but from a sudden, sharp panic that clawed at his chest. Eli Miller was not just a backup transfer. H

bumped Julian's shoulder pad. "Who is this guy, J

ce with a towel, his eyes locked on Eli, who w

painting the sky in deep shades of orange and dark purple. The players headed

sitting on the metal bench. He needed a moment alone to cle

rm," a quiet voice s

ck canvas gym bag over his shoulder. He had already changed into a dark hoodie an

ld and defensive. "If my receiver had cut harder to

"Or maybe you telegraph your throws with your s

ere standing face to face. Julian was slightly taller, but Eli

don't know why my dad brought you here from Oak Cliff, but this is my team. I have bui

"I didn't come here to play games with you, Vance. I came here because I need a championship ring and a Division One sc

of my way," J

inging his bag higher onto his shoulder. "Unless t

ice swung open across the courtyard. Coach Marcus Vance stepped out o

vening air. "Your mother called the main office. I have your official housing

ward the coac

office building, leaving Julian

nside before shutting the door firmly behind them. Julian's chest felt tight. His fathe

rd the side of the athletic office building. A small win

wall right beside the window, keeping his bre

ough the small window, calm and unusually warm. "Once the district approves the residence change,

out the legal details. She doesn't understand why a head co

the room, the sound of paper

run ice cold against the brick wall. "Seventeen years ago, I made a promise to your mother before I ever established my law firm or built th

an to shake as he gripped the cold brick edge of the wall, his breath c