“Caroline, I appreciate your punctuality,” Anthony said smoothly, his voice carrying the familiar blend of authority and manufactured warmth. “Let us proceed efficiently so discomfort remains minimal for everyone involved.”
Caroline seated herself without hesitation beside Diana Russo, Anthony’s formidable legal counsel, whose reputation for strategic ruthlessness had become legendary within corporate litigation circles. The discussion unfolded predictably through assets, properties, and financial allocations, Anthony displaying conspicuous generosity, perhaps driven by guilt, impatience, or his accelerating engagement to Vanessa Hale, the ambitious marketing executive whose presence had replaced Caroline’s absence.
“You appear remarkably composed today,” Anthony remarked suddenly, interrupting procedural monotony with subtle suspicion. “May I inquire whether someone new occupies your attention recently?”
Caroline met his gaze steadily. “My personal life no longer requires your evaluation or approval, Anthony.”