Chapter 93

Alek’s phone rang while he was helping Charlotte with her homework at the kitchen table. He glanced at the screen and felt his stomach tighten.

Katarina.

“Who is it, Daddy?” Charlotte asked, looking up from her math worksheet.

“Just work, sweetheart. Keep going on those addition problems.”

Alek stepped into the living room to take the call, aware that Emma was upstairs putting Frankie to bed and might hear the conversation.

“Katarina.”

“Alek. I hope you don’t mind me calling. I know things are... complicated.”

“What do you need?”

Her laugh was soft, a little sad. “Straight to business. I suppose I deserve that.”

“Katarina—”

“I’m calling to say goodbye. I’m taking a position in Zurich. The Swiss Federation offered me a development role that’s too good to pass up.”

“Congratulations. That sounds perfect for you.”

“It is. Fresh start, new challenges. Away from Toronto.”

The implication hung between them. Away