Morning arrived without peace.
The first sound Vivian heard wasn't birdsong.
It was Damien's voice.
Calm.
Measured.
Already working.
She glanced at the bedside clock.
6:12 a.m.
How long had he been awake?
Pulling on a light sweater, she stepped into the hallway.
The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted from the kitchen.
Damien stood at the island, sleeves rolled to his forearms, studying several printed satellite maps spread across the counter.
He hadn't noticed her.
Not yet.
She leaned quietly against the doorway.
For someone carrying the weight of an entire law firm, a murder conspiracy, and the lives of everyone inside the house...
He looked remarkably composed.
Until she noticed the untouched coffee beside him.
Cold.
He'd forgotten to drink it.
Again.
"You do tha
