Briggs POV
We were still standing outside the courthouse when the weight of the day really hit her. Lumi clutched those island papers like they were the only thing keeping her upright, eyes glassy from everything Caius had thrown at her. I kept my arm around her waist, guiding her toward the passenger seat without letting go. She’d just asked what she should do about the island, and I’d told her the choice was hers, but I wasn’t going anywhere. That seemed to crack something open in both of us.
The drive back to the penthouse was quiet at first. She sat close, her hand resting on my thigh like she needed the contact.
Lumi stepped inside looking wrecked—eyes red, shoulders tight, the island papers still clutched in one hand like they might burn her. I crossed the room in two strides and
