Page 166 of The Hunter's Empire

I hesitate for only a second before sitting down.

For a few moments, neither of us speaks. The silence isn't hostile. If anything, it feels strangely... rehearsed. Sebastian calmly picks up his coffee, takes a sip, and studies me over the rim of the cup with an expression that reveals absolutely nothing.

Finally, he sets the cup back onto the table.

"How are you holding up?" The question surprises me.

"I've had better mornings."

"I imagine you have." His tone remains even, almost gentle. "I'm sorry the media has turned this into a spectacle."

I don’t say anything as silence settles between us. I wait for him to continue. He doesn't. Instead, he reaches for a folder lying on the table and opens it.

"I looked over the latest quarterly projections before you arrived."

I blink. "What?"

"The logistics division exceeded expectations again." He slides one of the reports toward me. "The expansion into Eastern Europe seems to be paying off."

I stare at him, unsure whether I've heard him correctly.

"You've increased freight capacity by almost twelve percent since last quarter."

He taps the figures with one finger. "That's impressive."

I glance down at the report before looking back at him. "...Thank you."

"I also reviewed next week's board agenda." He folds his hands together. "The transition appears to be going smoothly despite... recent events."

I frown.

"There are still a few investors who'll need reassurance, but I don't think it'll affect the company's long-term position."

For a moment, I simply watch him.

He speaks with the same calm professionalism he always has, discussing projections, shareholders, and expansion strategies as though yesterday never happened. There isn't the slightest hint of anger in his voice. No mention of the footage. No mention of Nico. No mention of the argument that ended with blood on the side of an empty road. The normality of it all feels deeply unsettling.

I answer a few more questions almost automatically.

"The board shouldn't oppose the transition." I say. "Most of the concerns have already been addressed."

"And the Singapore acquisition?"

"It's progressing."

"Good." He nods once. "I thought it would."

Another pause settles between us. Sebastian glances down at the watch on his wrist before looking back at me as though nothing happened. The movement is brief, almost absentminded, but it's enough to catch my attention.

He changes the subject without hesitation. "What about the Rotterdam negotiations?"

"They're still ongoing."

"And the insurance contracts?"

"They've been finalized."

"Good."