int, reflecting the kind of success that needed no chauffeur, no driver in the front seat, just Adrian himself, the man who preferred

ssenger seat. The vibration was sharp, urgent, and yet when his

tomobi

another client, another business contact. For his wife, it was the company's automobile repairer

irthday,

se, one that made him lean back against

ice warm, casual, but tinged with a

tly at the end of her words. "So, what is the big plan t

s hand drumming on

quiet. But-" he lowered his voice, almost conspiratorial,

beat, then her voice retu

to hear. I have got a

to sound weary but smiling nonetheless. "Last ti

time working," she shot back. "Birth

beneath spreadsheets and strategies. He glanced around the quiet lot, half-aware of h

sed, his voice low. "Now, let me get through this da

is ear once more,

hold you

what just transpired. Adrian stared at the screen for a moment before sliding the phone

ar figure approaching with a spring in his step. Peter, his assistant, young

he window as he lean

respectful but touched with friendly warmth. "I th

hed a brow

h, then caught himself. Straightening, he replied wi

chuc

oth before the boss arrives. Besides, I

e car, adjusting his jac

her day. Clients don't ca

ell into step toward the building. "And maybe your fa

hin line, his thoughts flashin

ke that," he

sense when not to push, smoo

y, there is a bit of an issue with the Westbrook account. Their shipm

tride didn

email setting a meeting for Friday. Make s

erness of someone who knew Adrian demanded perfection but respected it when he saw initiative. "

a slight nod

p. We are not leavi

he paused, not having the slightest i

ian halted, t

r no

ir, a

ppose," he con

raid no

n wh

you a happy birthday

r name," he interrupte

wallowe

y, s

its surface like a mirror. Peter reached ahead to pull the door open, but Adrian's

aid instead, the fain

ly, shaking his he

rthday, sir, you

ays off," Adrian replied,

g, voices blending into the hum of ambition. Adrian's expression slipped fully into i

d a door no one dared to knock,