"It's a pity, Jack," Lucas said smoothly, his tone polite but edged with quiet correction. "You're wrong."
The three words silenced the air between them in an instant. Jack spun around, blinking in surprise—and then a huge grin burst across his face. "Lucas! There you are!" he said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was full of the bright energy of old friendship, and without waiting, he wrapped Lucas in a warm, quick hug.
Lucas returned the gesture with a light chuckle, his composure intact. "Jack," he greeted in that calm, charismatic tone of his. They exchanged a firm handshake after the hug, a mixture of warmth and professionalism between two men who hadn't met in years.
"Oh, I almost forgot myself," Jack said as he pulled away, scratching the back of his neck with an embarrassed smile. "I mean, Mr. Blackwood!" He laughed good-naturedly. "I'm still adjusting to it. Feels strange calling you sir!"
