CHAPTER 312

Elijah’s POV

I hadn’t seen him in months, not since our last meeting in Paris.

“Antoine Lefevre,” I greeted politely as we shook hands. “What a surprise.”

“Elijah Sinclair,” he greeted me neutrally, extending a hand. “Always a pleasure. I hope I’m not intruding.”

“Not at all,” I replied smoothly. “But this is unexpected. What brings you here at this hour?”

His smile didn’t waver, but his eyes showed anxiety, and the faint shadows beneath them pointed at sleepless nights. I remembered the longing, the restless nights I’d spent after my own divorce from Sophia. I could see where Antoine was coming from; his situation wasn’t so different from mine once.

“I apologize for the late visit,” he said. “My hotel’s nearby, and I know you’re one to burn the midnight oil. I thought I’d drop by to say hello to a well-respected business partner.”

“Well,” I said, trying to gather my thoughts, “I appreciate the thought.” I motioned to the chair opposite my desk. “Please, take a seat.”

He nodded, sett