~Zayn's POV~
Ignoring my food, I started to type my reply.
I stared at the screen, the ridiculousness of the situation giving me the clarity I needed. He was healthy, he was eating, and he was groping for a compliment while simultaneously seeking reassurance that he hadn't completely lost me. I couldn't give him the full validation he craved—not yet—but I had to affirm his progress.
I simply wrote:
You look better. Good job, Evric. Now maintain it.
I hit send. It was a short, teasing comment that affirmed his compliance with my health demands while keeping the emotional distance firmly in place.
I put my phone face down on the table, a sudden sense of calm washing over me. The immediate crisis of his health was averted. Now, I could finally turn my attention to the real enemy.
"Sorry about that," I told Kai, picking up my fork. "So, tell me about this new contract you landed, and which company are you working with?"
Kai smiled. "Draeven Holdings," he replied simply.
