“Just leave me alone. I’ll be there. I’ll sign the papers.”

He ended the call and threw the phone onto the seat opposite him. He covered his face with his hands, his broad shoulders shaking.

Zoe felt a pang of something she hadn’t felt in a long time—professional curiosity wrapped in a layer of human pity.

Valyrias Holdings.

She knew that name. A massive conglomerate. Real estate. Tech. Private equity. They were a titan. And this man was its king, about to be deposed.

He looked up, his eyes catching hers. They were red‑rimmed and desperate.

“What are you staring at?” he snapped.

“Nothing, sir,” Zoe said, turning away. “Just looks like you’re having a long night.”

“You have no idea,” he muttered, returning to his coffee. He gestured to the menu. “Give me, I don’t know… pancakes. The cheapest thing you have. A last meal.”

Zoe nodded, putting in the order.