James’s POV

I looked over to find Mr. Julius, a tall man in his late fifties dressed sharply, whose warm smile quickly eased my frustration. His salt-and-pepper hair was perfectly styled, and his demeanor exuded a form of calm confidence that consistently made others feel comfortable.

“Mr. Julius,” I remarked, taken aback by his appearance. “I was not anticipating seeing you here.”

"Neither do I, you," he answered, his smile broadening as he came closer to me. "What brings ...