Ashcroft blinked twice, exhaling sharply through his nose as he set the phone on the table. The movement was stiff, deliberate—like a soldier surrendering his sword. “Here,” he muttered, avoiding Maya’s eyes.
Maya hid her smile behind a sip of water before taking the phone. “Hey,” she said softly, voice cutting through the chaos like sunlight after a storm.
On screen, Harper was still fuming, but her tone softened when she spotted Maya. “Sorry about that,” she sighed, brushing hair off her face. “Anyway—this is Kenji.”
The young man straightened, bowing politely toward the camera. “Good evening, Ms. Maya. Mr. Blackwood.” His tone was calm, respectful. “It’s an honor to meet you. Good evening, everyone.”
Maya smiled warmly. “It’s nice to meet you, Kenji.”
Damien nodded, amused but comp
