ROWEN

The doors shut behind me with a soft hiss as I entered the villa. The place was quiet, just as I liked it. No clinking of glasses, no irrelevant chatter.

Just the low hum of the AC and my own goddamn thoughts.

James was already waiting by the window. His posture was stiff, suit crisp, hands clasped behind his back. Always the same.

"Report," I said, unbuttoning my blazer.

"Chairman Richard has requested another family brunch tomorrow morning."

I didn’t even bother hiding my sigh. I dropped the blazer on the armrest and walked toward the bar. "Why?"

James’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t look away. "He didn’t say....