James pulled into the driveway of the mansion, the Maybach gliding to a smooth stop as the sun dipped lower in the sky.
He felt the exhaustion in his bones — not from physical exertion, but from the delicate dance of social interaction he had just performed.
The luncheon had been intense, and him avigating the soft battlefield of polite smiles, hidden agendas, and subtle power dynamics took more out of him than anything he has ever done in his life.
It was even more draining than his night part-time job at the club.
As he stepped inside the house, the familiar scent of lavender and citrus met him. He caught sight of Leslie and Patty in the living area. Both women looked up the moment they heard the door open.
Leslie was the first to react.
"Hey! You're back!" Her voice was gentle but laced with curiosity.
Patty's eyes lit up with a smile when she saw him.
"How was it, sweetheart? Did you—?"
