[Meredith].
Eventually, Dennis led us back toward the main house, taking us up the marble steps and into the west wing.
On the first floor, he pushed open a pair of tall glass doors that led to a wide balcony overlooking the lower grounds.
A long seating arrangement waited for us—comfortable cream sofas, low tables, and platters of fruit, pastries, and frosted drinks freshly set by servants.
We all settled in immediately. Vivian leaned into Levi's side. Oscar claimed a seat with a relieved sigh. Wanda sat next to Vivian with her legs elegantly crossed, her posture immaculate.
Draven took the spot beside me; his hand lightly brushed my lower back before he reached for a drink.
We ate, refreshed, and chatted lightly until I felt the tug of fresh air pulling me. So, I stood and walked to the balcony rail.
The breeze was cool, lifting strands of my hair. Below, the estate stretched out in calm, orderly lines of stone paths and forest borders.
