Isabella entered Xander's office, her heels clicking on the smooth marble floor as the early sun streamed through the towering windows. She had been used to the power emanating from every nook and cranny of his world—the luxury, the whispered transactions, the quiet but obvious tension in every place they shared. Today, however, felt different.
Xander stood beside his desk, gazing out at the city skyline with his back to her. He appeared to be in a deep state of meditation or even preparing for an impending conflict because of his stiff posture and clinched hands behind him.
"You desired for me to be here?" Isabella questioned, her voice firm despite the buzz of nervousness beneath it.
"I have a meeting today," Xander replied in a stern, low voice without turning around. I want you to be there.
Isabella had long since ceased anticipating those, so it wasn't a request. She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "Another business transaction?"
Xander turned to her at last and replied,
