The gala was still ongoing and I was still moving through the crowd looking for hints bof any kind. My previous conversations had given me a sense of the mood, a low-grade hum of speculation and wary observation. Everyone knew something was wrong. Everyone knew the quiet was a dangerous thing. But no one had given me a name. No one had given me a face.
And then, I saw him.
He was standing alone in a corner of the room, he had a quiet but powerful presence that was a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the crowd. He was a tall man, a striking figure, with a lean but well-built frame that made him stand out.
His thick black hair framed a face that was all sharp angles and quiet confidence. His dark brown eyes were fixed on me with interest in their depth. He looked to be around thirty-five, or perhaps slightly less, I had never seen him around before, not even when I was with Gideon, and I assumed he had just taken control of the business from his father perhaps.
