She knew exactly the kind of person Noah was—a man who would claw his way through anything or anyone, relentless, ruthless, stopping at nothing until he claimed whatever he set his sights on.
He was a man who'd made cruelty his creed, who'd weaponized charm when it suited him. But no matter how calculating Noah was, one line she'd drawn should have been unmistakable: anything related to Cain was sacred.
She had warned him once, firmly, that he was never to touch Cain's things, let alone wear his clothes, or parade his memory as some twisted strategy.
Noah's smile was laced with a hint of apology, though it barely touched his eyes. "Oh, Ms. Rose," he started smoothly, almost mockingly, "I am truly sorry if my unannounced visit has disrupted your peace."
He shrugged with a feigned innocence that made Esme's skin crawl. "I simply thought I'd drop by to finalize details about our upcoming meeting. You know, be efficient."
