An hour later, the CEO’s office at Trident Marine Holding was steeped in silence.

Liam sat behind the imposing dark walnut desk, his eyes fixed on the reports spread out before him—but he wasn’t really seeing them.

His fingers tapped against the surface in a precise, almost mechanical rhythm. The dry sound echoed through the elegant, minimalist space. An irritating reminder of what he hated most: losing control.

The scene at the mansion replayed in flashes.

Her touch. Her defiance. Her perfume.