The night was deep.

When Julian pulled into the driveway at Crowncrest Court, he leaned back in his seat for a moment, lifting his gaze toward the second-floor master bedroom.

The lights were off.

He stared at the enveloping darkness, letting the quiet settle over him before unbuckling his seatbelt and stepping out of the car.

The night steward met him at the door, surprised. “Sir, you’re back? Madame just went to bed a short while ago. ...