Reynold paused, his hand stilling on his coffee cup. He looked at her, his expression unreadable—but just the mention of Varen Enterprises made a flicker of frustration flash across his face. His jaw tightened.
"I see," he said, his tone neutral, though Zephany could feel the tension beneath it. "I hope it's nothing too dangerous."
She shook her head quickly, trying to reassure him. "No, no. It's just a martial arts competition. It'll be fine." But even as she said the words, she knew it was far from the truth. She just didn't want to worry her brother more than she already had.
Reynold took a long sip of his coffee before placing the cup back down. He stared at her for a moment, his gaze almost too intense.
"Varen Enterprises," he muttered under his breath. He seemed frustrated, as though the name alone made him angry. "Why do they keep dragging you into their business?"
Zephany shrugged, trying to make light of it. "It's part of my job. I don't have much choice."
