Chapter 4 POV Makidi

Makidi wasn't like anyone else. He was intense but unassuming, with a quiet strength that seemed to fill any room he was in. I met him through a contact, someone I'd trusted with smaller jobs, and before I knew it, he was showing up more and more, handling things with an ease that surprised me. For the first time, I found myself wanting to share my life with someone. Makidi saw me-the real me, not just Jackson's daughter, then I decided to trust him in a way I'd never trusted anyone.

The first time I brought him to meet my parents, I felt something I rarely felt: nerves. My father had never approved of anyone I let close, and my mother was fiercely protective of the empire I'd inherited. I walked Makidi into their home, our steps echoing through the grand hall as we approached the main room. My mother was already seated, sipping her tea, calm and poised as always, while my father paced by the window, a cloud of smoke trailing from his cigar.

When my father spotted us, he turned, his eyes narrowing on Makidi. He didn't say a word, just studied him with that sharp gaze that had once been enough to make me cower as a kid. I could feel the tension tightening around us like a noose, but I kept my hand on Makidi's arm, steadying him and myself.

"So," my father finally said, breaking the silence. "This is the man you've been spending so much time with?"

"Yes, Dad. This is Makidi," I replied, my voice firm but respectful.

Makidi stepped forward, meeting my father's gaze without flinching. "Mr. Jackson, it's an honor. I understand what it took to build what you have, and I respect that."

My father arched an eyebrow, seeming intrigued. "Respect. That's good to hear. But respect doesn't mean trust. Tell me, Makidi, why should I trust you with my daughter and everything she's inherited?"

Makidi didn't hesitate. "I wouldn't ask for your trust, sir. Trust is earned. I'm here because Julianna asked me to be, and I intend to stand by her, whatever it takes."

My mother set her teacup down with a faint clink. "Makidi, do you understand what it means to be part of this family? The risks, the sacrifices?"

Makidi nodded. "I do, Mrs. Jackson. I've made sacrifices of my own, and I've lived with risks my entire life. I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in what Julianna's building."

I could see a flicker of approval in my mother's eyes, though she kept her expression neutral. My father, however, was harder to read. He looked between Makidi and me, his jaw clenched, as if weighing the future of his legacy in that single moment.

"Julianna," he said, finally turning to me, "you're serious about this man?"

"Yes, Dad. I've never been more certain of anything. Makidi understands what it means to protect what's ours. He's proven himself to me, and I trust him completely."

My father nodded slowly, though I could tell he wasn't fully convinced. "Very well. But understand this, Makidi-if you ever betray her, there will be nowhere you can hide. Do I make myself clear?"

Makidi didn't flinch, his voice steady as he replied, "Crystal clear, Mr. Jackson."

For a moment, the room was silent, the tension thick enough to cut. Then my mother smiled, breaking the cold formality. "Makidi, come sit with us. I'd like to know more about the man my daughter has placed her trust in."

Makidi glanced at me, and I gave him a reassuring nod. As he took a seat beside me, my father poured us each a glass of whiskey, his silent way of extending a cautious acceptance. The evening stretched on, filled with conversation, probing questions, and shared stories. With each answer, Makidi seemed to win my parents over, bit by bit, until I could feel the warmth creeping back into the room.

Later that night, as we left, Makidi wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "You know your father's still watching me, right?"

I laughed softly. "Oh, he'll be watching for a long time. But you handled yourself well. I've never seen him offer anyone a drink that fast."

He gave a slight smile, looking down at me with a seriousness that made my heart skip. "Thank you, Julianna...for trusting me with this. I won't let you down."

I met his gaze, feeling a warmth that had been absent from my life for too long. "I know you won't. I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't believe that."

For the first time in years, I felt the weight of my father's legacy lighten, just a little. With Makidi by my side, I knew I could face whatever came next. This was my empire, my inheritance-and now, finally, my choice.