Mira's POV
Valeblack had gone to meet with a potential consulting client. Something to bring in money during the suspension. He'd been gone three hours.
Mira was making lunch for Brielle when the knock came.
She checked the peephole. Caine stood in the hallway, looking worse than before. Disheveled. Sweating despite the cool weather. Eyes wild.
"Go to your room, Brielle," Mira said quietly.
"But Mommy—"
"Now. And close the door."
Brielle ran to her purple room. Mira heard the door click shut.
She opened the apartment door but kept the chain on. "Valeblack isn't here."
"I know. I've been watching." Caine leaned against the doorframe. "I need to talk to you."
"There's nothing to talk about. Valeblack said no."
"Valeblack's not thinking clearly. You're pregn
