It was just nine in the evening when Eric stepped out of his car, handing the keys to the valet. His movements were measured, though a weariness lined his face as he walked toward the open doors of the estate. He hadn't gone far when he heard footsteps behind him. He didn't need to turn to know who it was. "Mrs. Lilian visited today, sir," Benedict said, his voice as stern and composed as ever, though he quickened his pace to keep up with Eric. Eric’s gaze remained fixed on the long hallway ahead as he loosened his tie. "What did she want?""Dinner at the family estate, Saturday, seven pm. The topic is the London branch expansion," Benedict replied, his tone confident and assured. Eric was no fool. He was far too perceptive to miss the slight shift in his loyal servant's demeanor, the almost imperceptible hesitation at the end of his words. A knot tightened in his stomach. "I thought I paid you enough to be a little more honest with me?" Benedict knew that hedging the truth wasn't part of their agreement. A minor slip-up shouldn't be a problem, but this was Eric. He had zero tolerance for even a hint of nervousness in his behaviors. "She also requested your daughter's presence." Eric stopped short. That was surprising. His mother would usually sooner eat raw meat than be in the same room as "his daughter." It was unheard of. The mention of the girl was enough for Eric to let Benedict's earlier hesitation slide. He turned to the younger man. "Where is she?" Whether his mother was in a rare good mood, leaving the girl in peace, or had already reduced her to tears as she had the last time they met, he knew she would likely be hiding herself away by now.

Eric just finished his shower, the lingering heat of the warm water clinging to his skin soon feeling cold against the night air. He draped his black shirt over his body, not bothering to button it up as he made his way towards his work desk, ensuring he had cast aside the important files on the polished surface once again. As he stood there, the lingering sensations of the day gave way to momentary silence, letting tranquility engulf him when a knock shattered the quiet. His eyebrows furrowed at the sudden disturbance. "Enter." He thought that one of his servants might have an urgent message, or perhaps Benedict had decided to reveal his unspoken thoughts before he would regret it later. But out of all the possibilities, the sight of the girl standing at the doorway was enough to make him stop all movement. Silence became too loud until he decided to break the thick atmosphere. "I thought Benedict said you'd fallen asleep two hours ago..." he whispered, his voice carrying his usual coldness. "What do you want?"