Janet had never needed to be forced.
That was the point.
Which meant if she was refusing now—
There was a reason.
And he didn’t like not knowing it.
“She’s making you go to her,” Lina said, her tone edged. “You’re really going to allow that?”
Darren didn’t answer.
He moved past her, slowly, his mind settling into place.
This wasn’t about pride.
Not right now… he needed answers.
And Janet had them.
That alone decided it.
Darren stopped.
Then, without looking back—
“I’ll see her,” he said.
---
Darren did not rush when he entered Janet’s chambers.
Even now—especially now—he carried himself with the same measured control that had come to define him. But there was a difference this time. A subtle one. Not visible to most, perhaps. But present.
Because this was not his ground.
