The envelope sat on the kitchen counter like a threat disguised in ivory paper. Brandon hadn’t opened it yet—he stood staring at it, jaw set, fists flexing and relaxing at his sides. Julia watched him from across the room, her heartbeat matching the rain tapping against the window.
“Open it,” she whispered.
He dragged a hand through his hair. “I already know it’s trouble.”
“That doesn’t make it less real,” she said, stepping closer until she stood beside him. “Face it. With me.”
That was enough. He tore the seal.
The moment his eyes scanned the first page, his breath froze. A thick strain of disbelief cut across his face, followed by a laugh with no warmth.
“Shares,” he muttered. “He wants to transfer shares to me.”
Julia blinked. “That’s… good?”
Brandon tossed the papers on the co
