Chapter 124

• Howard shoved through the glass doors of his executive floor at Carter Enterprises, boots clipping sharp on marble as he made straight for his office, shoulders still tight from Ruby's grave. He twisted the handle, pushing the heavy oak door wide—then froze mid-step. Ryan stood by the window, arms crossed, face grim, the blue binder already open on the desk.
• Howard's eyes flicked to the file, assuming business as always. He said nothing, striding past without a glance, dropping into the leather chair behind his desk with a heavy exhale. His hand moved on autopilot, snatching the binder, thumb flipping pages—contracts blurring, mind locked on rain-slicked dirt and a tiny white casket.
• Ryan shifted, jaw ticking. "I need to tell you something."