Chapter 8 - The Shadow Across The Table
The open-air breakfast terrace of the Azure Cove resort was framed by blooming bougainvillea and overlooked the sparkling expanse of the bay. A table had been reserved for them near the balustrade, shaded by a cream-colored canvas umbrella that fluttered softly in the sea breeze. As the waiter poured fresh orange juice and set down plates of warm brioche French toast and fresh berries, a tall, impeccably dressed figure approached their table from the main walkway. Julian Vance, a high-powered tech investor from San Francisco whose recent business dealings had intersected with Langston Engineering, stepped into the shade of the umbrella with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Good morning, Langston," Julian said smoothly, his tailored linen jacket crisp despite the humidity. "I didn't realize you took your sabbaticals out here in isolation. Thought you were still locked in your Seattle office crunching numbers." Liam didn't stand. He simply set down his silver fork, his expression cooling instantly into a mask of polite, impenetrable indifference. "Julian," Liam replied evenly, his voice carrying a quiet weight that made the investor subtly shift his weight. "Just taking a few days with my family. The markets can wait a week." Julian’s eyes flicked briefly toward Victoria, lingering for a fraction of a second too long on the white towel still draped around her shoulders before meeting Liam’s gaze with a sharp, knowing glint.
