Chapter 33
"I think this conversation has run its course," Peter said, standing now, gesturing vaguely toward the door in clear dismissal. "I appreciate your concern, General, truly, but this is a family matter, and I'd ask that you leave it as such."
Chase studied him a long moment, weighing whether pressing further would yield anything more useful, before deciding the moment had likely closed for now.
"Very well," he said, straightening from where he leaned against the bookshelf, moving toward the door.
As he crossed the room, the study door opened without warning, Callie stepping through with a small stack of papers in her arms, clearly sent to deliver something related to the ceremony logistics scattered across Peter's desk.
She froze in the doorway, catching the tension still lin
