Julian stepped into the doorway.

He looked at Jaden, his voice even and cool. "What have I told you? You never show your hand this early. Revealing your cards before the game is played — that's the first rule you break in business."

Jaden noded. "I understand, Dad. It won't happen again."

He was only eight years old, but there wasn't a single soft edge to him. The discipline Julian had poured into that boy showed in every quiet, measured ...