Chapter 74

"Mr. Greene, we're in the middle of a business meeting," Juliet said, forcing her voice to stay steady. "If you're here to reminisce about the past, perhaps we could find another time." Before Asher could respond, Zachary reached over, removing Juliet's glass of cold juice and replacing it with a cup of warm water. "Your stomach's been bothering you. Drink this instead." Asher's jaw twitched as he watched the effortless intimacy of the gesture. He picked up his own glass, the liquid swirling as he tilted it, but he didn't take a sip. "Juliet Stone." He spoke her full name, and just like that, the fragile ease that had begun to settle over the table vanished. The other guests exchanged cautious glances, none daring to guess Asher's true intentions. Juliet maintained a smile that was perfectly polite but utterly hollow. "Is there something you wish to advise me on, Mr. Greene?" she asked. Asher studied her. Subtle makeup framed her features, and the moon-white evening gown made