Chapter 9

Koi quickly pressed the buttons on his mobile phone.

In fact, Ashley only shared such news with Koi at times like this. Because Koi would then immediately spread it to the entire family. As Ashley expected, this time too, Koi busily made calls to relay this information.

"...Not answering. Must be in court? Greyson says he's going to become a firefighter! He found someone new and he's doing something good, isn't that wonderful? Stay healthy, and come show your face sometimes. Love you."

After leaving a voice message on the mobile phone of his first son who was the spitting image of Ashley, he called Stacy, his first daughter and third child.

– What? A firefighter? Greyson? That idiot?

But as soon as she heard the news, Stacy burst into loud laughter. Koi blinked in bewilderment. When he didn't get the response he wanted, he quickly wrapped up the conversation, ending with words of love before hanging up.

And the next call. This one made him hesitate a bit. Because it was to Chase. It hadn't been long since they had mended their conflicts with Chase. In fact, even though they had mended things, it wasn't a complete recovery. They only occasionally exchanged contacts and news, and their conversations were limited to a few awkward words that could barely be called dialogue. Still, Koi was grateful even for that much.

"Whew."

Before calling Chase, Koi took a deep breath to calm himself and first checked the time on the West Coast.

It's okay, this time should work.

After nodding, he steeled himself and pressed the buttons on his phone. With his ears perked up in anticipation, he almost screamed when the call connected and he heard a voice.

"Uh, um, hey. It's me, Chase. Have you been well?"

In contrast to his joyful heart, his tense voice was met with just a curt response from the other end.

– What.

"Um..."

Koi squeezed his eyes shut then opened them before barely managing to continue.

"Well, Greyson says he's going to become a firefighter. So Ash agreed to help him get the job..."

Though he struggled to get the words out, there was no response from the other end. Feeling an ominous silence, Koi carefully opened his mouth.

"Um, Chase..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Chase cut in with a curse and cold words.

– What is that crazy bastard trying to do now?

"What?"

Though Koi asked in surprise, Chase had already hung up. Koi stared at his phone with his mouth open in confusion, but nothing changed. At the abruptly ended call, he sighed and realized. Chase would surely tell this to his partner Joshua. Because Joshua and their children were the most precious to him.

That's good.

Soon a smile appeared on Koi's face. How fortunate it was that his child, like him, had found his one and only someone for life. In truth, Chase had been the child Koi worried about most among his children. But surprisingly, Chase was the first to find his mate. And then the other children also found their loves one by one, and were now living stable lives. Except for just one - Greyson.

Wasn't it quite ironic? Greyson was actually the one who had spent his whole life searching for his one and only destiny, yet he alone remained single until now.

May his partner appear soon too.

After making this brief wish, Koi added internally. Even if he couldn't find that person, it would be wonderful if Greyson could discover 'humanity' while helping others through this opportunity. Even if he wasn't born with it, he could learn it. Just like how he had finally learned 'social skills' through a process that was never easy.

After thinking that far, he proceeded to call his remaining children one by one. Though their reactions varied, he was certain they all felt the same way he did. That they would hope Greyson would meet his destined one soon.

Because all our children are angels.

Koi chose to ignore the thought that followed - though not quite normal ones. All while completely unaware of the dark clouds gathering in contrast to his bright mood.

3

The Miller family's troublemaker was coming.

That news spread throughout the fire station within half a day. Of course, the reaction wasn't very good. How could it be? Everyone here had become firefighters after serious consideration and going through quite difficult procedures, yet someone was entering the organization through family connections, not even during the recruitment period, and without even the most basic physical fitness test.

Surely he had no sense of duty or mission, just thinking it looked cool, or merely trying it out of curiosity. And if it didn't match his imagination, he would probably run away without taking responsibility. Though it was a dangerous profession that risked lives, they gladly served the community with pride alone. Who would like their sacred profession being tainted by some rich young master's whim?

Because of this, everyone in the fitness room wore expressions full of murderous intent. As if they wouldn't let him off if he made one wrong move. Seeing the employees' fierce gazes, the fire chief continued while sweating nervously.

"That's how it is, so everyone keep that in mind, it's just one year, isn't it? Think of it as service for the citizens. Miller is a citizen too, one who pays an enormous amount of taxes. Right?"

Though he added the last words as if seeking agreement, the response was cold.

"It's not service for citizens, but being a playmate for a citizen. Do we, who are already busy with constant emergency calls, really need to take on such a role?"

Someone raised their hand and asked, but the intention was clearly sarcastic. Though the fire chief knew this, he suppressed his temper and answered in a gentle tone instead.

"Just think of it as getting one new volunteer firefighter. Well, you can even think of it as light part-time work."

Of course, no one accepted the chief's excuses. Not only for regular firefighters, but fire scenes were always places where lives hung in the balance, so even volunteer firefighters couldn't treat it as a job they could casually come and go from. They too had secured their positions here with training comparable to full-time staff and with a sense of duty and responsibility. Faced with the cold silence that wouldn't break no matter what he said, the fire chief awkwardly smiled and hurriedly changed the subject.

"Well, well, so we decided to throw a fun welcome party when Miller arrives. Let's all have drinks together and mingle, sounds good? You'll quickly become friends after eating and drinking plenty. Ah, though they say extreme Alphas don't get drunk... well, what can you do if we keep pouring, haha! Everyone make sure to attend, understood? Everyone!"

What welcome party. Though no one responded, the chief insisted once more before telling them which bar they usually went to, then left as if fleeing.

After the door closed, a chilly atmosphere filled the room. After a while of silence as if everyone was watching for reactions, someone couldn't hold back anymore and spoke up.

"Does this make any sense? Sneaking in without regular recruitment, not even a single fitness test?"

A man sitting on the bench press bench stood up abruptly, bursting with anger. Outcries followed from all around.

"It doesn't make sense! This isn't fair, it goes against equity!"

"Arrogant bastard, he probably didn't even take the firefighter qualification exam."

"Everyone should get equal opportunities, this is just underhanded. Just like that sneaky lawyer family."

"Three generations already, damn Miller Law Firm!"

"Even if Miller becomes president, he couldn't act this arbitrarily, this is America!"

"Miller's not president, just a lawyer!"

"He's a senator, though the Miller Law Firm is behind him!"

The outpouring of complaints gradually subsided and silence fell. Yes, this was America. A country where anything was possible with money. And if you were a lawyer, moreover owned the Miller Law Firm considered the best in North America for three generations, what would be impossible? Furthermore, with the Miller family now advancing into politics, America might as well be in their hands.