The study smelled like leather and old cigars. Dark wood paneling. Books lining every wall. A massive desk that probably cost more than Noah's first car.
He'd been in this room exactly twice. Once when Marcus's dad offered him whiskey and business advice. Once when he'd hidden here during a particularly awful dinner.
Now he stood in the doorway, palms sweating, waiting for his sister to destroy him.
Chloe sat in the leather chair behind the desk. Hands folded. Face calm. Too calm.
"Close the door."
He did. The click echoed.
"Sit."
He sat in the chair across from her. Felt like a kid called to the principal's office. Except worse. Because Chloe's disappointment had always cut deeper than anyone else's.
She stared at him. Silent. Letting the tension build.
Noah's leg bounced. He pre
