Page 139 of The Silver Fox Brother

"Good morning, Mr. Sterling," the driver says.

"Welcome to Naples."

Knox nods. "Take us to the Four Seasons."

"Yes, sir."

The driver loads our bags into the trunk while Knox and I slide into the backseat. The interior is pristine—cream leather, polished wood trim, enough space that we're not sitting close.

The driver pulls away from the airport and heads down the main boulevard. Palm trees line the street, the Florida sun bright and warm even through the tinted windows. Neither of us speaks during the drive.

Fifteen minutes later, we pull up in front of the Four Seasons Naples. The resort is massive, modern architecture blending seamlessly with tropical landscaping. Valets appear immediately to handle the car and luggage.

Knox and I walk into the lobby—soaring ceilings, marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking manicured gardens and the water beyond.

We approach the front desk where a polished receptionist greets us with a professional smile.

"Good morning. Checking in?"

"Yes. Reservations under Sterling."

She types into her computer.

"Of course, Mr. Sterling. I have you in our executive suites. Two adjoining suites as requested."

I turn to look at her sharply. "Why are the suites adjoining?"

The receptionist glances at her screen, then back at me.

"Oh, I apologize. The booking request didn't designate whether the suites should be individual or adjoining. It appears there was a miscommunication." She types again, her expression apologetic.

"Unfortunately, we're fully sold out tonight due to a private event. I can try to find alternative accommodations if—"

"It's fine," Knox interrupts, his tone clipped.

"I'm sure we'll manage not to bother each other."

He turns back to the receptionist and I shrink slightly beside him, my jaw tight. The bellman appears and collects our bags while the receptionist hands Knox two key cards. Knox passes one to me without looking at me.

We walk toward the elevator in silence. The bellman follows with our luggage on a cart. The elevator ride up is quiet at first, the only sound the soft hum of the machinery.

Then Knox speaks.

"In about an hour, we'll head out to the development property. I have to take a call and get it squared away, then we can head over there." He glances at me briefly.

"It won't take much of your time."

His tone is back to stoic, professional, detached.

I nod. "Fine."

The elevator doors open onto a long, lavish corridor. Wide hallways, thick carpet, contemporary art on the walls. We walk down the hall and I see that Knox's suite is on one side. Mine is further down on the adjacent end.

I roll my suitcase toward my door and briefly turn back. Knox has already disappeared inside his suite, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

I swipe my key card and step inside, closing the door behind me and I take a deep breath.

The suite is stunning. The entryway opens into a spacious living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private terrace. Beyond the terrace, the water stretches out endlessly, glittering in the afternoon sun.