Zack wetted his lips with his tongue, hearing Ewan's impatient statement, not oblivious to its intent. "Well, as I was saying, Athena was too curious, too intelligent for her years. Perhaps if I had looked beyond my selfishness then, I would have seen her for the genius she was and…"
"Use her the more. Maybe to strike more business and political deals for you?" Ewan interrupted, as if stating a fact.
Zack paused with his mouth open, staring at Ewan keenly.
"Am I wrong?" Ewan continued, his brow raising, daring Zack to refute the answer.
Zack closed his mouth, turned away from Ewan and beckoned to a waiter. "More coffee, please." He placed his order, before reverting to his unwanted guests. "That's beside the point, Ewan. It's not necessary now, the what ifs…"
Sandro and Ewan couldn't help the sarcastic chuckle that broke from their lips, an unwelcome sound that caused Zack to swallow uncomfortably, both his words and his saliva.
