The heavy double doors swung open, and Darno stepped through, escorting Karen with the practiced, silent professionalism of a high-end security detail. He gestured for her to walk ahead into the expansive office, then bowed slightly.
That was his cue to leave. He stepped back and pulled the doors shut behind him, the latch clicking with a finality that seemed to make Karen's shoulders jump. Although Darno was intensely curious about what a conversation between these two would entail, he knew it wasn't his place to pry. He had his orders, and in the Billion Bloodline Group, loyalty was measured in silence.
Behind his desk, Max watched Karen through the cold, unyielding eyes of his mask. He was smiling, though she couldn't see it.
