Page 11 of The Hunter's Empire

The two men shake hands firmly, both calm, both composed, both carrying the kind of presence that came from years spent around powerful people.

Sebastian glances between the two of us curiously. "I didn’t know you two were acquainted."

"We weren’t." Stefano replies. "Until today."

"Business?"

"Something like that."

Sebastian smiles lightly at the vague answer, though I can already tell his curiosity is growing.

"I should get going." Stefano says after a moment, stepping back slightly. "I have another meeting waiting for me."

His attention shifts toward me again.

"Ms. Krogen, I’ll contact you once I have more information about the auction."

Sebastian catches it immediately. I see it in the subtle narrowing of his eyes. But his expression remains casual.

"Sounds intriguing." He says lightly.

Stefano only offers a polite smile. "I’m sure Ms. Krogen will decide whether it interests her soon enough."

"I’m looking forward to hearing more." I reply.

Stefano gives a final nod before turning and walking down the hallway, disappearing around the corner with the same composed energy he arrived with.

For a moment, Sebastian and I simply stand there watching him leave.

"Alright." He says quietly. "Now I’m curious."

I start walking back toward my office. "About?"

"Stefano Rinaldi personally showing up here." Sebastian falls into step beside me effortlessly. "That man doesn’t waste time on small business deals."

"It’s not small."

"So what is it?"

I push open my office doors and walk inside, grateful for the privacy the second they close behind us.

Sebastian remains near the entrance for a moment, watching me carefully while I move toward my desk.

"He approached me with a proposition." I say calmly.

"What kind of proposition?"

"One I’m still evaluating."

A faint smile appears on his face. "You’re being unusually secretive today."

"I’m being cautious."

"About me?" His tone stays light, but the question still lands strangely.

I set a file down on my desk before looking back at him. "About the situation."

Sebastian studies me quietly for a second. "What exactly are we talking about here, Zora?"