I hurried into the boardroom, twenty minutes late, my tie slightly crooked and my mind still half on the villa.
“Mr. Sterlin, glad you could join us,” the chairperson said, raising an eyebrow.
I cleared my throat, forcing a smile. “Apologies for the delay. Traffic was…well, you know how Manhattan mornings are.”
A few chuckles, a nod, and we were off. The meeting flowed smoothly, contracts reviewed, numbers analyzed, and decisions made. I managed to stay focused, but my mind kept drifting. I imagined Martin and Maurice crying in the nursery, refusing another bottle.
After the meeting, Mark caught my eye as we walked toward the elevators. His sharp gaze softened with concern.
“You look like hell, Lucas. Rough night?” he asked.
I hesitated, then decided honesty…without the secret was sa
