The double doors of the Sterling mansion swung open, revealing Harlan Sterling himself. His face lit up with a wide smile the moment he saw Eryx.
"Eryx," Harlan greeted, stepping forward with open arms. "What a surprise. Please, come in."
Eryx didn't return the smile. He stepped inside without hesitation, the faint click of his shoes echoing against the marble floor. The house smelled of fresh polish and subtle power, but none of it slowed him down.
"I won't take up your time," Eryx said sharply, scanning the space ahead of him. "Where's Valerie?"
Harlan's smile faltered ever so slightly. "Valerie? She's… I don't really know. She's old enough for me to monitor her whereabout."
"I'm not here for small talk," Eryx cut in, his voice cold. "I know what she did. And unless she wants this to get much uglier than it already is, I suggest you bring her out. Now."
The silence that followed was thick. Harlan's jaw tightened, his charm beginning to crack around the edges.
