Zachary Hawke’s expression stiffened the moment Ace Kane mentioned the “kneel and welcome the new boss” comment so bluntly.
Being exposed like that — without a hint of mercy — made his insides twist with embarrassment.
But he had said it.
He’d been the one talking big, throwing promises around like party favors.
And no matter how disgusting that “verbal mess” looked now, he had no choice but to clean it up himself.
So he forced out a dry laugh, the corners of his mouth twitching.
“Ah, that… Just a joke, Mr. Kane. Just a casual remark, you know how it is…”
Ace didn’t respond right away.
He leaned back in the executive chair that used to belong to Zachary, relaxed and smiling faintly as he studied the older man.
He’d never liked Zachary Hawke.
Not just because of what had happened
