Kathrine's thoughts had only just drifted away from Anna when another notification lit up her screen.
Marcus.
Her expression shifted instantly.
He wanted to meet her.
Alone.
And specifically without Ethan knowing.
For a brief second, she considered ignoring it. Pretending she hadn't seen it. Marcus was not a man who made casual requests, and she didn't like the tone implied between the lines.
But after everything Ethan had told her earlier, she understood exactly what this was.
A test.
Or worse—a negotiation.
If Marcus believed she was a liability to his son's future, then of course he would want to assess her personally.
Kathrine's jaw tightened slightly.
She wouldn't avoid it.
If he wanted to measure her, she would let him.
And she would make sure he left with no doubts.
Without hesitating further, she typed a short reply agreeing to meet. Calm. Direct. No emotion.
Once the message was sent, she set the phone aside and tried to let the thought rest.
