Vespera had just set her coffee down in her office before heading to the president’s office. Dominic stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at his phone. He seemed to have just finished a call. Vespera looked closely at his neck. There was a band-aid on it. She spoke calmly. “Dominic, is there something you need?”

“Come with me to the hospital later.”

“To get your rabies shot?”

Dominic’s fingers froze mid-motion. He turned to look at her. “What?”

Vespera suppressed the irritation rising in her chest. “I heard about it. You were out for a walk last night and were bitten by a cat. I know it might sound nude, but I still have to say that if the cat didn’t mess with you, maybe don’t mess with the cat.” Dominic’s gaze lingered, deep and unreadable.

Then, he walked over to his desk, set his phone down, and sat. “I never said anything about being bitten during a walk.”

“I’m guessing Raymond and Gerard saw the band-aid and couldn’t think of a reason, so they made something up. No, cats are cute; why would I bully one?”

Vespera stayed silent. She knew perfectly well he wasn’t actually going to the hospital for a rabies shot. But knowing how he liked to say things just to mess with people, the mention of the hospital—plus Gerard’s earlier comment—had made her assume he was taking another jab at her.

“So the hospital is for…”

“To visit someone.”

Vespera felt awkward. She nodded. “Got it. I’ll head out, then.”

She took two steps back, turned around, and walked out. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw Gerard coming from the break room with a mug in hand. He leaned in and whispered, “Is he going to the hospital? I saw him this morning, staring at his neck in the mirror. He looked bothered. No idea how bad the bite is. Like, what was he doing messing with those sketchy strays in the neighborhood?”

Vespera said nothing, feeling a wave of quiet, dull despair. She glanced at his mug, filled with all kinds of herbs—nettle leaf, maca root, and who knew what else. She changed the subject. “What are you drinking?”

Gerard said, “Vital brew.”

“Oh,” she said. “Looks good. Can I have some?”

“This tea’s not for you.”

“Huh?”

Seeing her confusion, he sent her a link. “But you could get some for your dad.”

Vespera clicked it. The headline jumped out at her: “Every Man’s Dream: Feel Like a King with a Potent Blend of Premium Herbs—100% Satisfaction or Your Money Back!” Every single word was bold and black. Impossible to ignore.

“Gerard, you…” Vespera gave him a look that was hard to describe. “You don’t need to try that hard.”

With that, she went into her office. Gerard stared after her, then looked down at the cup of vital brew in his hand, completely confused. He took a sip. What did she mean, don’t try so hard? Did Vespera think he was already strong enough?

After the morning meeting, Dominic took Vespera to the hospital. On the way, they passed a flower shop. He told her to pull over. He wanted to go in and buy some flowers. Sitting in the car, Vespera watched his back as he walked into the store, quietly wondering if he was visiting a woman.

A moment later, he came back out. In his hands was a bouquet of…chrysanthemums? She blinked, wondering if her eyes were playing tricks on her. Who brings chrysanthemums to a hospital visit?

Oh, he got in the car; she glanced at the flowers he’d placed beside him. Those were indeed chrysanthemums—white and yellow, wrapped in sleek, high-end black paper. The whole thing screamed funeral.

“Mr. Brid, may I ask who you’re visiting?”

“A highly respected elder.”

Vespera fell silent. An elder? Was the person nearing the end? She didn’t ask any more questions and quietly started the car. An hour later, they arrived at the hospital.