"Winter?" I repeated, almost laughing despite the pain in my knee and the ache in my shoulder. "Well, look at that… the same name as—"

She smiled like she already knew exactly what I was about to say.

"Winter Enterprises, yes," she said casually, adjusting the blanket over her legs. "My son runs it now."

My stomach clenched so hard it nearly stole my breath. The word son expanded inside my head until it filled every inch of space. Deep down, I already knew the answer, but still… I needed to hear it.

"Your son? But…" I pretended to be confused. "I thought the CEO of Winter was around thirty-five."

She laughed, genuinely, so naturally that for a second I wondered if she was teasing me or simply amused by my ignorance.

"Yes. He just turned thirty-five."

I was still trying to process it. The woman in front of me didn't look a day over forty-five, and that was me being generous.

"Forgive my curiosity, but… how old are you?" I asked. "Looking at you, I'd never guess more than