Chapter 97

Alexander

The room was dimly lit, with only a sliver of sunlight peeking through the blinds. I wandered over to the bookshelf, my fingers trailing over the books.

I pulled out a worn leather-bound copy of Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea". The pages yellowed, the words dog-eared.

The door creaked open. "Alex."

I turned to face Henry, his eyes scanning the room with a hint of unease.

"Hi," he said, his voice laced with surprise.

I held up the book, my grip tightening around it. "Henry."

He shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the room. "I didn't know you were coming. You didn't tell me."

I shrugged, my tone curt. "Yeah, I just arrived."

Henry's gaze lingered on me, his expression nervous. "My assistant just informed me. Have you been here long?"

"No, just got here," I replied, my eyes locked on his.

Henry's brow furrowed. "I didn't know you were in New York. Is everything okay?"

His concern seemed genuine, but I sensed an undercurrent of tension. I raised an eyebrow, int