"Send a message to Tiffany & Co.," Zane said, his eyes on the tablet even though he was no longer reading it. "Please collect the package this afternoon. Gift wrap it in silver with a navy ribbon, not white."
"Yes, Mr Reyes," Lisabeth replied while her stylus moved quickly across the screen.
"And forward Willow Hale's address to Ardent Blooms. White orchids with crimson throats in a crystal vase. Delivery before six."
Lisabeth looked up briefly and asked whether he wanted a note included. He hesitated for a moment before shaking his head and telling her no note was necessary because she would understand.
When the door closed behind her, the office settled into a stillness that felt too complete. The city shimmered beyond the glass walls in a grid of motion and light, an empire he had built on discipline and control. On any other day the sight steadied him and restored his sense of proportion. Today it felt ornamental, like a suit that no longer fit the man wearing it.
