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"With any luck—"

"Also." Her tone shifts. Not softer—sharper. The sound of Everly switching from sister to strategist. "Aunt Genevieve called the office yesterday."

My hand stills on the cup.

"She didn’t say anything specific," Everly continues. "Just asked how the honeymoon was going. Very casual. Very Genevieve."

Which means not casual at all.

"She mentioned she’d seen a few photos from the resort area. You at the villa. Aria in town." A beat. "Aria in town alone, Everett."

I say nothing.

"I handled it. Told her Aria was exploring while you wrapped up a deal, which is technically true and also makes you sound like the worst husband alive, so you’re welcome for the spin." Papers shuffle. "But I need you to hear me on this. Genevieve is not calling to chat. She’s calling because the board asked her to. And if the board is asking questions about why your wife is sightseeing solo on your honeymoon, that is a problem I cannot PR my way out of."

"I’ll handle it."

"You’ll handle it by leaving that office and being seen with your wife. In public. Looking like a man who chose to marry her, not a man serving a sentence."

Another call flashes across my screen.

Sienna.

I frown.

"Everly, I have to go."

"You are not getting off this call that eas—"

I switch over.

"Sienna."

No greeting. No pleasantries.

Good.

"Have you set a time with Pierre yet?"

Straight to the point. Exactly what I expected.

"Not yet."

"You need to." Papers shuffle on her end. "I'm hearing two competitors are making grand gestures, and Pierre is exactly arrogant enough to enjoy all of it before he decides who gets his club."

I lean one hip against the counter. "Define grand gestures."

"One sent a retired Marseille player to pitch, preserving the team's legacy. Another sent Pierre's wife a private case of Bordeaux and a weekend invitation in Saint-Tropez."

"Desperate."

"Effective, maybe." A pause. "Have you reached out to his assistant?"

"Not yet."

"You should. While you're in France, face time matters more than anything on paper." Her tone stays cool, clipped, all business. "I'll reach out to his assistant too and see when his schedule is open."

"I know how to close a deal, Sienna."