Charlotte tilted her head in confusion. "Mr. Hawthorne, is there something you need?"

His voice was composed and deliberate. "Have you read the news today?"

"What news?"

Her bafflement was genuine.

Julian stared at her for a quiet moment, his gaze shadowed with something indecipherable. Nothing.

With that, the man turned and walked away.

Charlotte watched his retreating figure and only then, like a splinter ...