Grayson settled back in his chair, accepted the small porcelain coffee cup his assistant had placed at his elbow, and took a moment to choose his words carefully.
"Stan, before I get into this, I want to be upfront. What I'm about to discuss may feel like an intrusion into your personal life. I'd appreciate your patience while I explain why I felt it was something I needed to raise with you directly."
Stan set his own coffee down.
"Go ahead."
"It concerns Maya Zimmerman."
A slight crease formed between Stan's brows.
"What about Maya?"
"I know the two of you are close. That's hardly a secret. Between your work together on Ghost Signal, the publicity surrounding the film, and the countless photos and clips that have circulated over the past month, it's widely understood, including by me, that there's a personal connection between you. That's why I'm bringing this to you instead of handling it quietly within Wanhai."
Stan met his gaze evenly.
