The warmth he usually showed was gone. Only coldness emanated from his gaze.
"Clara," Ethan called softly. His voice sounded like clanging metal.
Clara didn't respond. She stood before the dressing table, her right hand trying to conceal the gold emblem behind her back. "You... you're back."
Ethan stepped into the room. Every movement felt like a predator stalking its prey, though he showed no signs of overt aggression. He stopped several feet from Clara, his eyes locked onto his wife's glistening gaze.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Ethan asked. His tone was flat, devoid of emotion.
"I couldn't sleep," Clara replied, fighting to keep her voice steady. "I have too much on my mind. Thorne Corp business... and other things."
"Other things?" Ethan repeated, giving the words strange emphas
