Leo paces the study, one hand raking through his hair, the other clenching and unclenching at his side. The sharp afternoon light seeps in through the tall glass windows, but it doesn’t ease the tension splitting his chest apart. Not when everything feels like it’s finally working—and threatening to collapse at the same time.

Blair is standing a few feet away, classy and calm as always, holding out a matte black tablet. Her heels click softly against the hardwood as she adjusts her stance.

“Mr. Cuss,” her voice is crisp, “the city has officially approved the second phase of the Crestwood Blocks. The architects from Renshaw & Co will be...