Not Without You

ce screamed wealth, luxury, and power. From the polished marble floors

py," Victoria teased, stepping in f

and quickly lowered his g

irst," she said with a smile. "Bu

polite bows. Richard followed them in, his

ichard announced, his tone leaving

re? Oh, I thought you would be taking me to a sm

ure out who you really are and why Clara Mason suddenly has her claws out for you.

ncing at Victoria. "But... I ca

brow. "Did I ask

, b

lara Mason is unpredictable, and Francis is a walking hazard. S

. "I... I appreciate it. But I d

thing. You're from Racoon, and Victoria seems to trust you. That's enough for now

a simple wooden stool instead

iced but di

..." Jack bega

es

you that? Un

tly. "Call me whatev

. "Thank yo

Dinner's almost ready, and after we eat, I want to

ner was being served, her ene

lobster, pasta, fries, and more. Jack's stomach

ria said, nudging him. "Eat s

ish smile and picked

demeanor. If he was a real Mason would he act so naïve and humble? Af

zzi, a living room, and even a balcony overlooking the ci

dialed the only person who

Grace's warm voice brought

d, Grand

at? I'm coming to the city tomorr

ced. "Really? T

ng. "I have things to tell you about your m

tement mingled with unease. "G

erious. "Trouble? What

he'd ended up at Richard's house. Grace listened qu

ost to herself. "You must'v

e broke through her th

not alone in this. Your mother was a good woman brave woman. Tomorrow, I'll tell y

ed. "You mean... they

time you knew the truth. Tell

els, Grandma. I'

t the city lights. His mind buzzed with questions. Who was his m

called Jack

Richard said, ges

a small travel bag. "This is everythin

ion forms, a photo of him and Grandm

ed, disappointment flic

u only lost your clothes and not your life.

his fists bu

"We'll go shopping tomorrow. For now, tell m

" Jack replied. "She adopted me when my

tening. "I know Grace. She doesn't have ch

his voice steady despite t

hard. She gave me a life

And your name is Mason?

d. "I don't know much

"Tomorrow, we'll find out more. Grace se

ashing over him. "Than

"Get some rest. We'll

t shake the feeling that everythin

city again, wondering what secr

nock echoed on his door, followed b

with a mischievous grin. Behind her trailed a small group of maids,

" Victoria sang, leading the

surprise melting into a wi

g a wrapped gift under one ar

, Jack. Did you think we'd let

sing the scene. "I... I didn't expec

rty hat onto his head. "Of cour

in, handing Jack the gift. "Open this after breakfas

ords "Happy 18th Birthday, Jac

ade a wish, and blew out the candles in one st

ly. "Good job, birthday boy. Now hurr

Jack aske

said with a smile, motioni

Victoria was waiting by the door,

ome on, it's your birthday.

tated. "M

re taking you shopping, Jack. You need a fresh star

opping? I mean, t

ted, pulling him toward the

froze in the doorway, his jaw-dropping. Rows of designer clothes gleamed under bright lights, and the faint

ack muttered. "It

Relax. Today's not about price tags. I

. "I don't k

"You're family now, Jack. And fami

im, unsure what

hrough Jack's. "He means it. Now co

of a mirror, trying on a fitted button-down s

ctoria asked, studying

y entire school fees," Jack s

ooking at the numbers. This is my gif

"It's... nice. N

tossing it onto the growing pile of it

s find you a

panicked. "What would

d. "You'll see.

accessories section, Jack f

sleek black wristwatch

ct for you," she

nd his wrist, admiring how it felt.

rd replied simply. "No

looked at him

latest models. "Pick one. It's time to reti

racked phone, then back at the

ichard said with

ully. "If you don't pick

is head. "Okay, okay. But seri

y birthday, Jack. This

on the back. "Welcom

rom him and Grandma Grace, Jack felt