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"I used to find a lot of things entertaining," she says.

The words land cleanly. No drama, no raised voice, just fact. I nod once.

"Fair."

That surprises her. I can see it. Good. I am not going to argue with what I earned.

We step back into the corridor just as Simon returns. He looks between us once and wisely says nothing. Helena joins him a moment later with the photographic file, and Blaire takes it from her.

"Thank you," she says.

"We can use the smaller research room," Helena replies. "It's closer."

Blaire nods, and I fall into step beside them. She does not look at me. I do not need her to. I already know two things I did not know this morning. The old rhythm between us is still there. And she is fighting it every time it appears.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ross

We are finishing with the photographic file in the smaller research room when Helena checks a message on her phone and looks up from the table.

"I just heard from Trust counsel," Helena says.

"They want to go over the authorization language before they finalize the internal review. They can see us this afternoon if we go to their offices."

Blaire closes the folder in front of her.

"Today?"

"Yes," Helena replies.

"They're across town, and they'll only be there another couple of hours."

Helena looks at me.

"Ross, it would probably help if you were there," she says.

"They have a few questions about approval authority."

"That's fine," I reply.

Blaire reaches for her bag.

"I'll arrange a car," she says.

"You don't need to," I tell her.

"Mine is downstairs. We can go together."

She looks at me, and for one second I can see her trying to find a reasonable objection. There isn't one.

"That's fine," she says.

Helena glances between us.

"I'll send the address to your driver," she says.

A few minutes later, Blaire and I are in the back seat of the car heading toward the Trust counsel's offices. London traffic is heavier than it was that morning, and the privacy glass separates us completely from the driver.