Anna's POV
As we stepped into the grand hall of the Murphy Estate, the buzz of conversation dulled beneath William Murphy's booming voice.
"Come, come! You must meet Marcus!"
The crowd parted like a curtain, revealing a man standing tall, his gaze cutting through the air like a blade. His eyes landed on me for a single, electric moment then flicked away just as quickly, as if I were insignificant.
Something about him made the room feel smaller. Marcus Murphy was striking, yes but it was more than looks. He carried himself like a man who owned every room he walked into.
He couldn't have been older than thirty-two, but the aura he exuded was heavy with experience. His tailored suit fit with the effortless precision of someone who'd worn power like a second skin for most of his life. He wasn't like Jack. Jack had polish, but Marcus had presence.
"Anna, my dear!" William's warm tone pulled me back. He took both my hands in his, his eyes crinkling with affection.
