'Tonight?'

Heinz stepped inside without hesitation, his very presence shifting the atmosphere of the quiet room. He carried an air of authority so effortlessly that even the walls seemed to straighten in response.

Cashew, still standing near the door, instinctively moved aside, his movements smooth yet strangely slow—almost reluctant.

"I came to speak with you," Heinz said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Florian suppressed a sigh.

'Again? It's only been an hour since we last spoke.'

He didn't let his thoughts show on his face. Instead, he gestured toward the couch with a polite smile. "Please, take a seat."

"Right." Heinz strode in further, heading straight for the couch. His movements were effortless, practiced, and when he sat, it was with the kind of ease that came from a lifetime of power.

Florian, however, found his attention elsewhere.

His gaze flickered to Cashew—

And his breath hitched.