y carpet and glass. She walked ahead, pointing out awards on the wall, photographs of board members shakin

his pockets. He didn't need a mirror to know Ja

rrecting himself like a schoolboy. "Mr.

lips curved, a shadow of amusement. "A little of everywhere,

ost too low for anyone else

covered fast, forcing his stride back i

too much. His gaze cut to Jace, sharp a

etched. Evelyn

te, too brittle. "No. He just...

ft in place. Then he looked back at Adrian, and there was something colder there

thinly. "I g

-

odded at statistics, praised innovation, complimented Evelyn on her leadership.

his words, the tilt of his head, even the way he carried silence.

f for a call, leaving the three of them in the g

d

e turned, folding his arms across his chest, and pi

ened. "Wha

seen a ghost. Then you almos

th, though his knuckles itched

told you. He looks like

ed, knife-sharp, to Adrian. "And you. Do y

e easy. "Don't we all? You wear your marriage like

apped toward him, eyes wide, and Lucian's jaw flexed o

nly Adrian could hear. "Careful, Mr. Vale. You

inch. "I know ex

-

ght smiles again. She didn't notice the storm that had passed through, or maybe she did

r this time, his smile cutting. "Thank you for your time. I'

, eyes dark with hidden fir

aware of the weight of her gesture

turned, his brother's gaze burned w

ion that could te

se rushing back around him. He let the heat touch his face,

don't get to

-