*****
Marcus hesitated only a fraction of a second before answering.
“Ethan lives with his sister. They share a modest apartment on the east side. She works at a corporate competitor — ambitious firm, rising fast. And…”
Damian’s head lifted sharply. His eyes narrowed into steel. “And what?”
Marcus didn’t flinch. “She has a son.”
The words tore through Damian like a blade. He didn’t breathe. He didn’t blink. For a long, dangerous moment, he was utterly still.
“Show me,” he said, his voice low and lethal.
Marcus opened the file and slid the first photograph across the desk.
It was a candid shot — Emery leaving her building, holding a small boy’s hand. The child’s dark hair glinted under the afternoon sun, his curious eyes wide as he tugged gently on her arm.
Damian’s entire body fr
