The penthouse was silent except for the sound of Natalie's heels on marble. Sharp clicks. Angry clicks. The sound of a woman preparing for war.

Robert closed the door behind them. The lock clicked. Final. Like a prison closing.

"Well," Natalie said without turning around. "That was pathetic."

Pathetic. The word dripped poison.

Robert loosened his tie. Said nothing. The silence stretched between them like a wire about to snap.

Natalie walked to the bar. Poured ...