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I step into the corridor to say hello.

“Adrian.”

He stops and smiles. His handshake is warm and firm.

“Bryce. Good to see you.”

“You too. I didn’t realise you were coming in today.”

“Strange. I thought you arranged it.”

Before I can answer, Christopher appears outside the main boardroom.

“Adrian. We’re ready. Come on in.”

His gaze lands on me.

A pause.

Small enough that Adrian doesn’t notice, but I do. I walk along beside Adrian regardless.

“This is a limited discussion,” Christopher whispers, once Adrian has stepped through the door.

“Slightly concerning,” I say, “since I lead the Landia project.”

“Not from today you don’t.”

Adrian looks back at us.

“Is there a problem?”

“Not at all,” Christopher says. “We’re simplifying the room. Fewer voices to streamline things. Bryce won’t be along with us. He’s busy.”

Adrian lowers his brows. Laughs a little.

“Bryce too busy to join us? I hope not. Please come on in, Bryce. I’m sure we won’t be long.”

Christopher looks at me, but I don’t bother meeting his eyes, stupid prick. I just walk straight on past him, giving Adrian a smile.

“Never too busy for you, Adrian.”

Bill is already inside. Two Parker directors sit on one side of the table, accompanied by a solicitor usually called in for takeover discussions.

Yeah, I get what’s going on here. My guts churn up with the realisation.

I should return to my office and mind my own business. That’s what Bill expects. That’s what his stare says when I approach the table.

“You aren’t required for this meeting, Bryce. I know you have plenty to be attending to,” he says.

“I’m the only person here who has managed the Landia position from the beginning,” I counter.

Bill smiles. Fake.

“Christopher has the relevant information. He can handle it.”

“He has my summary. I have the background.”

“Fine,” Bill says. “Then take a seat.”