Chapter 221

Laurent Global Holdings. Top floor. Private office. The blinds were drawn, the lights dimmed low. Ashton sat behind his desk, hands still, face unreadable. Across from him, Dominic finished his report in a low, careful voice. When Ashton didn’t interrupt, didn’t frown, Dominic finally exhaled. ‘These need your signature,’ he said, sliding a folder forward. He listed each document while Ashton flipped through, reviewing, annotating, signing with quick strokes. ‘Anything else?’ His voice was flat. The sort of tone that left no room for unnecessary replies. He hadn’t wanted to be there. Dominic’s call had pulled him out of bed, away from Mirabelle, away from the heat and scent of her skin, the weight of her tucked under his arm, silent and half-asleep. He could still smell her shampoo on his clothes. Ashton flexed his fingers once, then stilled them on the desk. It was pointless to be annoyed now. If he was already here, he might as well get something done. Dominic hesitated. ‘There’s one