The next time I encountered Jarvis was in our company’s conference room, where he appeared as a client.

I didn’t accept handouts, but I wouldn’t miss what I deserved.

Jarvis was uncharacteristically businesslike, conducting himself in a manner that left no room for criticism.

In contrast, Chris became increasingly disruptive, lingering in my office day after day.

Wherever I went, he followed.

I couldn’t do much about it, considering his distant kinship with my partner.

Mixed-race and the youngest son in his family, he was a little prince showered with affection.

After interrupting several of my meetings with Jarvis, I finally snapped.

Chris blinked, his European almond-shaped eyes full of...