Page 141 of The Silver Fox Brother

"Okay. Let's get to it."

Silence settles between us.

Then Knox speaks again. "Everything alright? You seem quiet."

I'm still looking out the window, not at him, when I respond.

"I'm fine. Just have a lot of work to do."

Knox doesn't say anything. The rest of the drive passes in silence.

Twenty minutes later, we arrive at the development site. The property is stunning—a luxury residential building positioned along the waterfront, modern architecture with clean lines and floor-to-ceiling glass. The landscaping is already in place, the exterior mostly complete.

We get out of the car and head toward the entrance. Inside, the development is nearly finished. Marble floors installed, lighting fixtures in place, custom millwork already mounted on the walls. Workers are scattered throughout, making final adjustments. I'm wondering why Knox brought me here when so much is already done.

A man in a hard hat approaches. "Mr. Sterling. Good to see you."

"James. This is Winter Hayes, the designer on my Tribeca project. Winter, this is James Caldwell, the general contractor here."

We shake hands and exchange pleasantries.

Knox turns to me. "Why don't you take a look at one of the units on the other end? I need to speak with James about the penthouse issue."

"Sure."

I walk through the building, exploring the completed units. Everything is well done—cohesive design, high-end finishes, thoughtful layout. I can see the vision clearly. Modern luxury with coastal influences, similar to what I'm doing with the Tribeca project but adapted for the Florida market. It does make sense that Knox wanted me to see this.

Forty minutes pass as I move through the space, taking notes on my phone, examining details. Then my phone rings in my hand. I glance down at the screen.

Incoming call: Rowan Sterling

My stomach drops. I stare at it, watching it ring. Once. Twice.

"Is that your phone ringing?"

Knox's voice behind me. I spin around quickly, pressing the phone against my side to hide the screen.

Did he see who was calling?I can't tell from his expression.

Knox steps closer, his eyes on mine.

"Well? What did you think of the design?"

I take a breath and refocus.

"It's beautiful. I can definitely see the vision and the theme."

Knox tilts his head slightly. "So you approve?"

I cock an eyebrow. "I know you didn't fly me all the way down to Naples to get my approval on a multimillion-dollarluxury development that's already near completion."

Knox pauses, and something shifts in his expression.

"No. Not really. But I did want your opinion."

The air between us feels charged.

"We have another stop," Knox says, his voice lower now.