CEO's Tears Over Pregnancy Test Discovery

Nash looked up and asked, "Do you want to challenge yourself?"

"Of course I do, Mr. York. To be honest, I joined this company specifically to push my limits," Jake replied confidently. He had a strong drive to succeed, evident from his internships at multiple top firms during his studies. No task was too small for him if it helped him learn. After graduation, he had returned home, eager to make a name for himself and grow beyond his comfort zone.

"I have a new project here. The plan is complete, but there are details that still need refining, along with overseeing the project's progress," Nash explained, placing the files in front of him. "If you run into anything you don't know, feel free to ask me."

Though Nash offered his support, managing an entire project was leagues above a typical assistant's duties.

Jake didn't answer immediately. He carefully reviewed the materials, then nodded, "I'd like to take on the challenge, Mr. York."

"Good. Starting this month, your base salary will go up by 20 percent, and you'll receive additional incentives based on the project's progress. Complete this project well, and your pay will definitely reflect your work," Nash assured him. He wasn't one to underpay his team, even if Jake was a family connection.

Jake wasn't particularly focused on the money. His family was comfortable, and he had saved up a fair amount from his own work during his studies. What he needed was the opportunity to prove himself.

With the project in Jake's capable hands, Nash felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He wanted to call Nina right away and tell her he would be coming home soon. But when he dialed, the line showed she was on another call.

Unfazed, Nash stopped by a few of their favorite spots on his way home, picking up snacks for Nina and Orion.

Nina, meanwhile, was on the phone with her father, Pharaoh. After just a few words, she sensed somegung wasoff. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"No, nothing. Just calling to see how you and the kids are doing. How's Gemma?" Pharaoh replied, evading the question. When he tried to change the subject, Nina saw right through him. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a terrible actor?" Pharaoh felt a swirl of emotions. Blood truly was thicker than water. Nothing escaped Nina's eyes.

He did have something he was keeping from Nina, but it wasn't something he could share. So he would hold onto it for as long as he could, letting the secret last as long as possible.

He would keep it to himself for as long as he could.

"Come on, Nina," he said with a chuckle. There's no need for pretending between us. I just wanted to cheek in on you. If you're free, why don't you bring the kids to see me?"

In truth, Pharaoh missed all three of them deeply, especially little Gemma. She was so small, with her chubby cheeks and innocent smile.

How he wished he could stay by her side as she grew up, go to kindergarten, and eventually college, and watch her start a family of her own.

But he knew better than to dream of that future. He didn't know how long he had left, let alone how many of these precious milestones he would live to see.