Oswald pushed open a set of double doors and stepped into an indoor pool area, a crystal tumbler resting neatly on a silver tray in his hand. Bruce had just climbed out of the indoor swimming pool, water rolling off his broad shoulders and down his back. He reached for a thick white towel, dragging it over his hair and across his torso as he dried himself. “Master Bruce,” Oswald said, approaching him, “I have news.” Bruce took the towel from his shoulders and glanced over. “Go on.” “Willis Stone has been fired,” Oswald reported calmly. “Just like you ordered. He and the other conspirators have been replaced by executives who have sworn their loyalty to you.” Bruce’s lips curved faintly into a smile. "Music to my ears. You've done well, Oswald." Oswald offered the glass. “Your drink, Sir. A Macallan 25.” Bruce accepted it. The amber liquid caught the light as he lifted it. He took a slow sip, savoring it, then nodded in satisfaction. “Good,” he said. “Does Willis h

Caro returned from the liquor cabinet, holding out the crystal glass in her hand towards Willis like an offering."Here you are, darling," she said softly. "Your drink.""Thanks, babe." He took the glass from her, his unsteady fingers brushing against hers. Caro noticed how weak his grip was but she read it as lingering shock from the robbery.Willis took the glass and downed half of it in one swallow. The sharp burn of the whiskey steadied his jumpy nerves. Caro sat on the arm of the sofa closest to him, her brows furrowed with concern. "You said you were robbed. How did it happen?"Willis stared into his glass, watching the amber liquid swirl. He took his time to form a convincing lie. "It happened so fast," he began. "They came out of nowhere. Guns pointed at me. Before I knew what was happening, they hijacked my car and drove me to some abandoned warehouse on the edge of the city."Caro's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my God, Willis! Were you hurt?"He shook his head. "Thankfully