On the other side of the city, the study in Winston Estate was bathed in the warm amber glow of a desk lamp. Charles glanced down at the antique gilded clock at the corner of the desk, watching the brass hands inch forward. His grandfather, Richard Winston, swirled the whiskey in his glass, the ice clinking softly against the crystal—an irritating sound that only made the conversation feel more suffocating.
"I ran into John—John Hawke—at the Sotheby's auction last week," Richard said suddenly, setting his glass down on the rosewood table. A bead of condensation slipped down the side, landing with a quiet splash. "His granddaughter's made quite a name for herself in the entertainment industry."
Charles absentmindedly twisted the ring on his finger. "Grandpa, since when did you start keepi
