Chapter 13 Machinations

• Lachlan
• The brilliant rays of the late afternoon sun pierced through the lingering clouds, casting a warm, golden glow over the island as the remnants of the storm finally began to dissipate. I stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of my study, surveying the lush tropical landscape that surrounded my private oasis, a glass of fine Scotch cradled in my hand.
• Taking a slow sip, I allowed the rich, smoky notes to linger on my tongue, savoring the familiar burn as it trickled down my throat. Ordinarily, the sight of the sun's radiant beams breaking through the tumultuous skies would have filled me with a sense of relief, a promise of calmer days ahead. Today, however, it ignited a smoldering ember of trepidation deep within my core.