I stood behind the desk in my study, looking down at the city beneath my feet. From this height, everything was visible—the jagged spires of glass towers, the cluttered lanes of small houses, the shifting flow of headlights like veins pulsing through the darkening streets. The red rays of the setting sun bled over the skyline, warm and detached—like me, watching from above.
"Sir, someone came to the villa this morning," Victor said as he entered behind me.
I didn't turn. He knew better than to wait for acknowledgment.
"Your fourth aunt has come to visit. Your grandfather has requested you join him for dinner tonight."
He stood still after delivering the message—no prompting, no retreat.
I waited a moment, watching the last threads of light vanish behind the horizon.
"Let's leave, then."
Victor followed me out. We crossed the quiet living room and entered the elevator without a word. I didn't need to speak. He knew what needed to be done.
Soon, three black cars slipped from the garage and into the night, gliding through the arteries of the city, toward the outer edge where the mansion waited—half-memory, half-obligation.
The familiar wood-paneled house came into view. I stepped out as Victor closed the car door behind me, his silent presence at my side. The front doors opened before we reached them.
"Good evening, Mr. Voss," Vera greeted, her tone composed as always. "Sir is in the back garden."
"It's time for his medicine now, isn't it?"
"Fourth Madam kept him busy all day. He's been waiting for you. He'll take his medicine and rest after dinner."
I nodded. "You can return to your work."
She bowed slightly and turned as we reached the doors to the garden. I was about to open them when I heard her voice—sharper than memory, and just as grating.
"Father, his age isn't going to reverse. Why aren't you firmer with him?"
Elora.
"He's not a child," Grandfather replied calmly. "Do you truly think I could force him now?"
"You're still his grandfather! Where is the man who raised us?" she demanded. "I swear, after Adrian took over, you became soft."
Her tone made my skin crawl—coquettish and indulgent, completely unfitting for a woman of her age.
Grandfather's chuckle followed, deep and unbothered.
"I was still the head of the family then. And you children were little more than burdens. Adrian, however, has taken control of everything—elevated Voss Enterprises in ways even I couldn't manage."
He paused.
"I trust his judgment."
Elora huffed. I opened the doors and stepped into the moonlit garden.
"You really don't—Oh! Adrian, my love!" she exclaimed the moment she saw me.
She hurried forward, throwing her arms around me in an embrace I did not return. I gently pulled away and offered a faint, civil smile.
"Good evening, Aunt Elora. I hope you're well."
I walked past her toward Grandfather. He sat beneath the trees, the moonlight softening the edges of his weathered face, but not his eyes—those remained as sharp and unreadable as ever.
"You're here," he said.
"I am."
"It's time for your food, isn't it?"
I didn't answer. He gestured to the chair across from him.
"Sit a while. The food won't run."
I sat.
"Look at the garden under the moonlight," he mused. "And the fresh air… I think these do me more good than drugs that turn my mind to fog."
Before I could respond, Elora returned, settling beside him as if she'd never left.
"How have you been, love?" she asked sweetly.
"I'm doing perfectly fine," I said, keeping my voice even.
"We were just talking about you," she added with a too-wide smile.
"No need," Grandfather cut her off. "I'm sure he's heard enough."
He turned to me. "Even your aunt is pressing now. When are you bringing my daughter-in-law home?"
"Oh? You've already chosen someone?" Elora said, eyebrows lifting.
"I have."
Her eyes lit up. "Who is it? Tyler's daughter? Tess's girl? Rayechand's niece?"
"As I said," I met her gaze firmly, "you'll meet her when the time is right."
That silenced her.
"Let's eat," Grandfather said as he stood.
I followed him back inside.
"Oh Victor, how are you, child?" Elora asked the moment she spotted him.
"I'm well, Madam," he replied smoothly, leading us to the table.
As I walked ahead, I heard her lean toward him and whisper, "Do you know who this girl is? Has he told you?"
Victor's response was perfectly measured. "We've arrived, Miss Elora."
The dining table was set with care. Grandfather took his seat at the head, I sat to his right, and Elora to his left. Vera appeared quietly to serve the dishes.
Dinner passed mostly in silence. Every time Elora tried to start conversation, Grandfather shut her down with a look. I was grateful. The peace was rare and welcome.
After dessert, Vera returned with a tray of medicine and water. She began opening the tablets and setting them out.
Just as she reached for the tray, Elora intercepted her.
"Let me do it," she said with a sugary smile, gently pushing Vera's hand aside.
Vera, unbothered, stepped back gracefully as Elora offered the tray to Grandfather. He picked up the tablets one by one and downed them with a sip of water.
"Now rest," I said as I stood.
"You're leaving?" he asked, his gaze catching mine.
I didn't need to speak. He could already read the answer.
Victor stepped forward. "We have an early flight tomorrow, so we need to return to the city."
"Where are you going?" Elora turned to me.
"I have a meeting."
I didn't wait for more questions. I gave a small nod to both of them and turned toward the exit.
"Hmph," I heard her behind me. "What secrets does he have to keep from family?"
"Elora," Grandfather said, his voice firm and heavy.
"Yes, Father. Let's go to bed," she replied, the cloying and coquettish tone slinking back into her voice.
I stepped through the front doors, Victor opening them just in time.
The night air outside was cold and clean. I welcomed it.