“Come in,” Austin called, his voice sharper than he intended. He tried to steady it, tried to hide the storm still burning in his veins, but his tone betrayed him.
The door creaked open. Caleb stepped in, calm and composed, though his eyes flicked over Austin like he could read every unspoken thought. “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said carefully, shutting the door behind him.
“You already have,” Austin muttered under his breath. Louder, he asked, “What is it?”
Caleb didn’t flinch. He walked further in, hands clasped behind his back like a soldier reporting to his commander. “There’s an interview tomorrow with the board. They want you to formally introduce your wife to them. The company’s eyes are on you both. Everything must look perfect.”
Austin’s jaw tightened. Wife. The word slic
