River could not resist doting on his little niece.

Five years ago, he had arrived in Solville alone, determined to build his own legacy. Among his brothers and cousins, he and the younger ones were the last to venture out independently. He had deliberately chosen Solville, which was over 1,200 miles from Wiltspoon, to carve his own path.

Starting from a managing role, he took over the struggling company and turned it around. Now, he owned half its shares, transitioning from employee to a bona fide boss.

These years of relentless work meant rare trips home. He maintained a low profile in Solville, which kept his identity as the seventh young master of the Wiltspoon Yorks under wraps.

His older brothers and cousins had all married and started families, so he now had a veritable brood of nephews.

This little girl in his arms was his only niece so far.

Born a year and a half ago to Zachary and Serenity, she was already walking and babbling simple words. With her doll-like features, s