(Mira's POV)
Ethan sounded tired in a way I'd never heard before.
Not the usual sharp, controlled exhaustion he wore like armor.
This was different. This was heavier. This was the kind of tired that settled into my chest just from hearing it.
"I've been in meetings since dawn," he said. "Victor just left. The board is pushing. The uncles are pushing. It feels like everyone wants a piece of me."
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the couch.
I could picture him too clearly—tie loosened, jaw tight, that distant look he got when he was holding too much inside and refusing to let any of it show.
"You don't have to carry all of that alone," I said softly.
There was a pause.
"I know," he said. "But knowing and feeling are two different things."
That did it. Something inside me shifted.
"I'm coming," I said.
"What?"
"I'm coming to Wolfe Castle. I want to be with you."
"Mira—. Stay home. I'll come to you."
