Chapter 76

Daniel’s POV

My tie felt like a noose, tight against my throat. I tugged at it, adjusted the knot, then smoothed my suit jacket again; my reflection in the mirror showed a calm, strong face.

No one looking at me would guess the storm brewing inside.

“Just a college assignment, man,” Jake announced from the doorway, leaning against the frame, a coffee mug in his hand. He looked too relaxed, too casual, for the weight pressing down on me. “You’re acting like it’s a shareholders’ meeting.”

“It’s not just a college assignment,” I countered, my voice tight. I turned from the mirror, meeting his gaze. “It’s Zoe, Sienna’s daughter.”

Jake took a slow sip of his coffee. “Right, Zoe. Still, she’s a college kid. Don’t scare her with the CEO routine.” He pushed off the doorframe, walking into the room. “You look like you’re about to face a firing squad, not a student journalist.” He chuckled, completely missing the mark, or maybe not.

“It’s important,”