Two months later.
Monte City had settled into early winter. Fine snow drifted past the window. The Bennett estate's lawn was covered in a thin layer of white.
The study was warm, the heating running. I sat behind the large mahogany desk, reviewing a merger case for a new energy development project in Harbor City.
Over the past few weeks, I'd gradually taken over the core operations of the Bennett Consortium. The dry data and intricate equity structures were far clearer — far cleaner — than counting pennies for packaging costs in that basement.
"Take a break."
A cup of hot tea was placed quietly on the coaster beside me.
I looked up.
Ethan was standing by the desk in a soft gray cashmere sweater. He didn't interfere with my work. He just naturally slid a neatly organized set of appen
