The air thickened the moment Sebastian Cross stepped through the doorway.
He didn't announce himself with volume—he didn't need to. His presence alone shifted the room's centre of gravity like someone had opened a window during a storm.
Sienna didn't move. Her arm blocked the entrance for a moment too long.
"Are you just going to keep me standing out here?" He said—a smirk creeping along his face.
Then, slowly, she stepped aside, her pulse hammering in her temples.
Sebastian smiled—not kindly. "Thanks, darling."
He strolled in like he owned the place, scanning the room with casual contempt. His gaze settled on Ryan first—who looked like he'd rather disappear into the wall.
Then Miranda. She stood stiffly by the fireplace, one hand clenched around her phone, her knuckles white. When her eyes met Sebastian's, something flickered for a moment. She blinked it away.
"I see we're having a family meeting," Sebastian drawled. "How sweet."
