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Her statement was accurate to an extent. It described work that lacked passion and vision. But my work was the opposite.

“The fun lives inside the passion, Kiera. When you’re passionate about something, you’re lost in it.” I tucked my hands into my pockets and rocked back on the heels of my shoes, watching her analyze my words.

“Yes, it does. I suppose it all comes down to choice—how you choose to live.” She sighed and looked away. “Sometimes circumstances narrow your choices.”

Her words almost seemed sad. She possessed wisdom that could only come from experience. I wanted to find out what narrowed her choices. She deserved to live the life she dreamed of. But if I asked her questions about what her choices were, would she ask me questions about the enemy I took care of? I wasn’t ready to discuss that yet. She already knew too much. Anything more would put her in danger. I couldn’t have that.

So I switched to a topic I could discuss. “My friends and I have been working on the WaterFyre Rising video game for years. We do it on our own time because weloveit.”

“I’ve heard about it from Audri. You and the boys are a bunch of nerds, you know that?”

“There’s nothing wrong with men with goals. We all need something to work toward. It takes courage to recognize what inspires you. Sometimes the thing that motivates you also confuses you.Scaresyou.” I paused, stretching out the moment to emphasize how she had motivated me to change. “That kind of motivation is powerful, complex, and has no actual answer.”

A soft blush bloomed on her cheeks, and I’d cherish that adorable image for the rest of my life.

She stepped closer, looked up at me, and placed a hand on my cheek. “You’re a smart guy. If anyone can find the answer to a difficult problem, it’s you.” There was no hint of amusement, just pure honesty in her eyes.

Her confidence in me shifted something in my chest—as though a locked door had miraculously opened. I’d never needed acknowledgment or validation from anyone. I knew my worth. I knew what I was capable of and where I was going. But Kiera’s belief was extra fuel to something I didn’t know I needed.She gave more meaning to my work.

My chesttightened at this influx of awareness.

She turned and stared at the house made of stone and wood. Close to the house were bins used to collect rainwater, which aided in the irrigation system around the property.

I took her hand. “Let me show you.”

We stepped into the hallway and sensor lights flicked on.

“Wow. Doesn’t look like a research center. Looks like a homey space with a laboratory, an office, a kitchen, and a living room that somehow belong together.”

The house had an open space design where I could stand in one place and see most of the rooms.

“That was the idea. I worked with Grayson on the house design. Over here is another office, conference room, and the bathroom. Down that hallway is my library, bedroom, and second bathroom.”

“You sleep at work?” She placed two hands on her hips, reminding me of my grandma reprimanding me with gestures alone.

“I told you, it’s not work when there’s passion in it.” I guided her into my laboratory. “I study all kinds of herbs. It takes time to see how each of them can heal the human body. This is a side project.”

She walked up to the mushroom poster on a wall and smiled. “I didn’t know there were so many healing herbs in the world.”

“The human body reflects everything in nature. The inside of the walnut looks like a brain. Plant roots are like veins and arteries. A flower or an oyster resembles one of my favorite parts on your body.”

Her cheeks bloomed again. I’d never seen her blush this much.

“I like how you saidoneof your favorites. Your charm is dangerous, farm boy. I can see how you charm all the women around you.”

I didn’t know why, but I felt the need to defend myself. “No one’s been here.”

She looked at me, and something passed between us, but neither of us said anything. It was as though an odd truth pulsed in the room, with no need for confirmation.

She broke the trance. “Have you discovered something worthy in this lab recently?”

“I have, and I sent the data to two research centers—one in Boston, the other in Providence. I have teams of trusted doctors and scientistswho will expand on my research to ensure it’s safe for the public.”

Kiera placed her camera and purse on a stack of papers on my desk and wandered around my lab. She studied the large picture frame of various herbs, their scientific names, and their healing properties. The herbs represented the diverse world. Different herbs were found in different countries, and each offered a unique healing approach.

When she turned around, curiosity flickered in her eyes. “Why are you doing all of this? You’re already an established doctor and businessman, making tons of money. What inspired this hobby? Or is this a venture that would add to your billions? Explain the ‘passion’ you keep referring to. I’m interested in how an entrepreneurial mind works.” She tapped her temple.

There was no hint of amusement in her eyes. This was a serious question that demanded the truth.