Lucian
The subtle knock on my office door came precisely at nine, as planned.
My lawyer, Carter, stepped inside, sharp suit, sharper eyes, carrying the thick manila envelope like it was a prize.
“It’s done,” he said, placing the envelope on my desk.
I let my fingers rest on it for a beat, savoring the weight of it.
Shared custody. A move long overdue.
Carter’s gaze flicked to mine. “I’ve arranged for the papers to be served this morning. She’ll get them before noon.”
I nodded, leaning back in my chair, the city low behind me through the glass wall.
“Good.”
He hesitated. “Lucian, remember, public image is everything. We stick to the script. The devoted father, trying to do right by his son.”
I smiled, slow. “I know the game, Carter. I wrote the rules.”
He inclined his head. “Then I’ll leave you to it.”
As the door clicked shut behind him, I lifted the envelope again, running my thumb along the sealed flap.
Eloise.
I could already picture the look on her face when the pape
