[Reid Mansion—Benjamin's Study]
Jack stood near the bookshelf, pretending to be interested in a leather-bound volume he had never read.
Benjamin entered the study with the same calm, heavy footsteps that always made Jack feel fourteen again.
He closed the door behind him, not loudly but firmly enough to signal this wasn't a casual chat.
"Sit," Benjamin said.
Jack obeyed immediately, though his jaw tightened.
Benjamin walked to his desk, loosened his cufflinks and finally looked at his younger son. "We need to discuss your next assignment."
Jack's stomach knotted at the word assignment. That word never meant anything good coming from Benjamin.
Benjamin continued, "The Heinberg branch project, do you know about it?"
Jack swallowed. "Yes, the one scheduled to open next quarter."
Benjamin nodded once. "You will be heading it."
Jack blinked. "Me?" It slipped out before he could mask the shock but Benjamin heard it.
