Chapter 9 - The Dinner Invitation That Carries Weight
Julian remained standing by the table, resting one hand casually on the back of an empty chair as if waiting for an invitation that wasn't coming. "That’s the thing about empires, Liam," Julian murmured, his voice dropping slightly so it wouldn't carry to young Theo, who was happily occupied with a plate of sliced melon. "They don't run themselves while you're building sandcastles. In fact, rumors in the financial district suggest that the Tokyo syndicate is making a quiet play for your secondary logistics network while you're out here playing family man." Victoria felt the air at the table grow suddenly dense. She kept her face perfectly composed, her fingers resting lightly on the linen napkin, her sea-green eyes narrowing just a fraction as she studied the man standing before them. Liam didn't blink. His dark eyes remained fixed on Julian with the terrifying stillness of a predator watching a stray dog wander too close to its den. "Let them play, Julian," Liam said softly, the lethal calm in his tone sending an unmistakable chill across the table. "Logistics networks are like bridges. If you don't know who engineered the foundation, you tend to fall when the weight shifts." Julian’s smile faltered for a microsecond before he recovered, laughing lightly and raising his hands in a gesture of mock surrender. "Fair enough, Liam. Enjoy your breakfast. Perhaps we can share a drink at the lounge tonight. We have mutual interests to discuss." With a sharp nod, Julian turned and walked away toward the beach path.
