Jake's sleek black car purred into the wide circular driveway of the Stones' estate, the headlights sweeping over the grand white-pillared mansion that had been home for generations.
The air smelled faintly of pine and the faint trickle of the garden's fountain echoed in the night.
Raymond stepped out first, straightening his tie nervously, while Jake locked the car with his usual calm confidence. Both men exchanged a glance — whatever awaited them inside wasn't going to be an ordinary dinner. It had been pretty obvious from her tone.
Inside, the butler ushered them through the grand foyer, chandeliers glinting above polished marble floors. The faint hum of conversation drifted from the dining room, low but unmistakable. When they stepped in, both men froze for half a second.
