The line connected on the first ring.
"My wife, I'm sorry… to make you wait," Axel's voice came through, low and familiar.
"It's fine, Axel," she replied calmly, exhaling as she rested her feet on the edge of the sofa. "Are you done with your business?"
"Not yet. I still have a few things to settle here before flying back to the capital. How's your day, my love?"
"I'm being spoiled by my little son's piano concert," Evelyn said proudly, a soft smile curving her lips.
"I'm incredibly envious," Axel sighed dramatically.
"Well, you can get a private concert if you bring donuts for him."
Axel laughed. "Deal. I'll buy his favorite ones. Extra glaze."
Evelyn laughed, but the laughter faded just a little as she remembered something. Her fingers tightened around the phone.
"Oh, right, Axel… I need to ask you something."
His tone softened immediately. "What is it, darling?"
