February came with a brittle sun and headlines about a new research grant from the Hale Foundation. Adrian’s name appeared in the press releases alongside bland phrases about “family stewardship.” He gave interviews in which he smiled without warmth. Mira read them over breakfast like someone studying a stranger.

The night after the articles appeared, Adrian summoned her to his townhouse. This time there was no pretext of papers; when she arrived he was standing at the window with a folder in his hand.