~ Next Day ~
The golden morning light streamed through my office windows as I smoothed down the front of my charcoal blazer. Eight years had taught me to find power in the small rituals—straightening my spine, squaring my shoulders, taking three deep breaths before any confrontation.
Today, I'd need all of it.
"Ms. Collins, the Halgate representatives are here." Tina's voice came through the intercom, using the name I'd built my empire with.
"Send them in." My voice didn't waver. Not anymore.
The double doors swung open, and there he was. Michael. Still devastatingly handsome in his tailored navy suit, but with new lines around his eyes. Those familiar blue eyes—the ones our sons had inherited—widened slightly as he took in the expansive executive suite.
"Impressive," he said, glanc
