The sun was already sinking behind the steel-and-glass skyline when Riley finally loosened the knot of his tie.
His office was bathed in amber light, the city below reflecting faintly against the long glass wall behind his desk. He stood there for a moment, hands resting on the back of his chair, eyes unfocused as his mind ran through figures, risks, and contingencies—habits that never truly clocked out, even when he did.
A sharp knock broke the stillness.
"Come in," Riley said without turning.
The door slid open and Ethan stepped in, tablet tucked under his arm, expression unusually… satisfied.
"I figured you'd still be here," Ethan said. "You always are."
Riley glanced over his shoulder. "If you're here, this isn't small talk."
Ethan smiled and moved closer, placing the tablet neatly on the desk. "Christmas preparations. I promised you a summarized version."
