James Brant POV

I lean back in my chair and watch Jacob through the office window.

He's in the courtyard below, showing Zoe something on his phone. She laughs—really laughs—and the sound carries up to my office.

My chest tightens.

'She's happy.'

The thought brings satisfaction. And something else. Something I don't want to examine too closely.

I press the intercom. "Jacob. My office. Now."

Jacob arrives five minutes later, still ...