Page 28 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

"The first offices. The earliest project files. Employees who've been with the company for decades. If you're interested in the foundation rather than the finished product, you'll find better material there than you'll ever get sitting in this building."

I study him for a moment, weighing the offer against everything I know about companies of this size. Most executives carefully curate what reporters are allowed to see. Julian, on the other hand, seems determined to lead me away from the polished headquarters and toward the parts of the company that existed long before Blackwell became an international name.

"You're suggesting we continue the interviews in Boston?"

"I am."

"And…you'll be there?"

"Yes."

His answer comes without hesitation.

"I was planning to review the Boston division myself next week. Your visit would fit naturally into that schedule."

It's a perfectly reasonable explanation. In fact, it's exactly the kind of decision I'd expect from someone as methodical as Julian. The company's history belongs in Boston. Any serious profile would be incomplete without seeing it firsthand.

Still...I can't shake the feeling that there's more behind the invitation than simple logistics.

"I'd like that," I say before I have the chance to overthink the response.

For the briefest moment, something flickers across his expression. It isn't satisfaction exactly. It's quieter than that. Almost... relief. The feeling disappears so quickly I wonder if I imagined it.

"I'll have Daniel coordinate the travel arrangements with you," he says.

"Sounds good."

He walks me to the executive reception area where Daniel is already standing with his tablet, as though he'd anticipated the exact moment we'd emerge. Julian nods once toward him.

"Please coordinate Boston with Ms. Callahan."

"Of course," Daniel replies.

"I'll send over a proposed itinerary this afternoon."

"Thank you."

Julian looks back at me.

"I'll see you next week?"

"I'll be ready."

"I have no doubt."

Our eyes meet for one final moment before I step toward the elevators. The doors slide open almost immediately, and I offer a polite nod before stepping inside. As the elevator descends, I finally release a slow breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. The interview hadn't unfolded the way I'd expected. Neither had Julian Blackwell.

By the time I step outside the building, my phone is already vibrating in my handbag.

Maya.

I laugh softly as I answer.

"I was just about to call you."

"I've been staring at my phone for twenty minutes," Maya says without preamble.

"Don't make me wait any longer. How did it go?"