Gray’s office was quiet, the city lights spilling through the tall windows and throwing sharp angles across the walnut desk. The silence broke when the door opened without a knock.

Luca Blackwood walked in as if the room already belonged to him. He didn’t wait to be invited. He didn’t pause. He went straight to the desk, lit a cigarette, and sat down like a king returning to his throne.

Gray didn’t move from where he stood. He didn’t offer the seat. He didn’t lower his head. He ...