"Uncle Thomas,"
Harrison approached Mr. Thomas with a raised glass, his smile polished yet calculated.
Mr. Thomas's grip tightened around his cane as he studied the younger man before him, his knuckles whitening with suppressed fury.
Forcing his expression into something resembling amusement, he narrowed his piercing eyes and replied with deliberate levity.
"Now, now, 'Mr. Harrison—such formality is hardly necessary."
In all their previous dealings, Harrison had never shown him such courtesy.
Was this sudden deference born of guilt, or was there something more beneath the surface?
"Thomas and I go way back," Harrison countered smoothly, his gaze sharp with unspoken scrutiny.
"Business is business, but at an event like this, there's no need to stand on ceremony."
Harrison took a leisurely sip of his drink before adding,
"Speaking of Thomas—where is he?"
His eyes swept the room with theatrical curiosity, a smirk playing at his lips.
