“What is it?” Claire asked me.
“I will deal only with you, Claire, from now on. Any communication that needs to be done will be done through only us two.”
“That is unnecessary,” Ivan said.
“Ivan, please,” Claire hushed him.
“Those are my conditions,” I said. “Take them or leave them.”
I half-expected Claire to say no, under Ivan’s influence. But she surprised me by saying, “Very well. I accept your terms.”
After ending the call, I went to check on Leo. Xavier was in my usual spot in Leo’s shadow, as Leo sat on the floor of his bedroom, idly playing with toys. His heart didn’t seem to be in it today, as his gaze was somewhat distant, like he was very far away from here.
I nodded to Xavier, who saw himself out. Then I moved to my son, kneeling beside him. He didn’t seem to notice I wa
