Kate didn't answer right away. Her throat tightened, her palms damp, but she refused to show weakness. She straightened in her chair and looked him directly in the eyes.

"I'm not here to talk about my personal life, Grayson. Don't forget this is work."

She was cold and direct. Grayson raised a brow, with a crooked smile tugging at his mouth.

"You're the one who brought it up."

"I did because it mattered for the case," she shot back. "But whatever I did or didn't do in those years doesn't change what we're dealing with here."

A long silence stretched between them, his gaze lingering as if he were trying to crack her open, trying to see what she was hiding. But he let it go for now.

Kate looked away and changed the subject.

"Give me a week. I want to prepare and review everything with your attorney. I'll meet him, talk to him, and figure out our options."

Grayson nodded without pushing.

"Fine. Whenever you're ready."

"Then there's nothing else to discuss." She stood a