Chapter 133. A Meeting Long Due

Jeremy’s POV

The glass front of ‘Smiles Company’ rose ahead of me, its silver panels reflecting the late morning sun. I slowed as I approached the familiar, discreet back entrance, the one only the Lords used, and drew in a tight, grounding breath. My chest felt stiff. My pulse hummed in a slow, heavy rhythm.

Today was the day.

I would quit.

I would put the damned ring down, walk away from this fraternity, and reclaim my life.

My father’s words from three days ago replayed in my mind “If the meeting doesn’t go the way you want, I have a surprise for you.” I had held onto that line for days now.

I hadn’t given myself time to think about ‘her’

I had been busy trying to learn painting with my right arm, pending till the left heals. But it was torturing—because any time I lifted by brush, she came to mind to paint.

Shifting her away from my thoughts, I pressed my Lord’s card to the scanner and the automatic door slid open.

The