Page 96 of The Hunter's Empire

"How many times?"

She hesitates. The hesitation alone is enough to make me laugh.

"Oh my God. How many?"

"Five."

A muffled argument immediately breaks out on the other end.

"They were necessary changes."

"They were not necessary changes."

"Two people literally threatened each other."

"That happened ten years ago."

"They still hate each other."

I shake my head. Some things never change.

For all his success, all his intelligence, and all the terrifyingly complicated business deals he handles every year, Keith remains incapable of organizing a family event without creating unnecessary chaos.

"Put him on the phone."

Aurelia sighs dramatically. "I hate both of you."

A moment later, Keith's voice replaces hers. "Hey, Zora."

The simple greeting settles something inside me. Maybe because it sounds exactly the same as it always has. The years have changed almost everything else. Not that.

"Hey, Forbes cover boy."

A groan immediately comes through the speaker. "Absolutely not."

"Oh, come on. I just spent twenty minutes reading about your latest empire-building adventure."

"Then you should know how busy I am."

"I do know. That's why I'm impressed you still found time to pose dramatically for a photoshoot."

"I didn't pose dramatically."

"Sure you didn't."

I can practically picture the annoyed expression on his face. The image makes me grin.

"How much longer until you land?" Keith asks, changing the topic.

"A few hours."

"Good."

A small smile tugs at my lips as I stare out at the horizon. Keith has never been particularly expressive, but I understand what he means. Despite everything life has thrown at us over the years, we're still finding our way back to each other.

When Aurelia speaks again, her voice is softer. "How are you doing?"

The question catches me off guard. For a moment, I consider giving my usual answer, but exhaustion wins out.