The snow fell softer today. As if the storm had exhausted itself. But inside the estate, the silence still held a weight that was more dangerous than any blizzard. Zane walked alongside Andrei as they descended the main staircase. It was subtle, but noticeable. They were two figures instead of one. And together, they crossed the marble floor of the grand foyer toward the receiving room, where a minor visiting envoy from the Volkov trade family waited. It was nothing formal. Just optics. The butler announced them with a bow. The envoy rose from his seat when they entered. His eyes flickered first to Andrei. Then Zane. And lingered. Andrei’s tone remained calm, almost courteous. But it was Zane who spoke first when the conversation shifted to route revisions and estate-led contracts. The envoy didn’t question him. And that was the shift. When they exited the room twenty minutes later, Andrei didn’t speak. But Zane felt the glance—the quick, sharp flick of his gaze as if
Last Updated : 2025-05-26 Read more