Elena's POV
I poured myself a cup of coffee and leaned against the kitchen island, trying to shake off the storm in my head. My body still ached with exhaustion, but the quiet in Julian's house had become my only space to think.
Behind me, Julian stood at the window, phone in hand—focused but calm.
Then, almost too casually, he said, "By the way, I invited Callum over."
I froze.
"What?"
He looked up. "He still has access to some of your father's contacts. People in finance, development, legal. He can help. He offered."
"You invited him here?" I asked, my voice a little too sharp.
Julian's brows pulled slightly. "Is that a problem?"
I hesitated. "No. It's just... unexpected."
He nodded slowly, watching me. "I figured you'd want someone you trust on your side. I know how close you two were."
Were.
I managed a tight smile, but something twisted in my chest.
"I trust him," I said, though the words sat like splinters on my tongue.
