Chapter 242

Reaching the three-story building, the maid climbed the stairs to the top floor and paused only briefly before knocking on the door. She waited for a response, then pushed the door open and stepped inside. ‘They are here,’ she said. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the solitary figure sitting by the window, back turned to her. The occupant showed no outward reaction to her words, but the maid knew her message had been received. *** Back in the mansion, dinner was underway. Elodie, ever the diplomat, showered compliments on Jay’s organic salad. Jay chuckled. ‘Well, gardening has become my little retirement hobby. It’s amazing what you can create with a bit of soil and sunshine.’ Retirement, Elodie scoffed internally. The man exuded an aura of power that belied any notion of leisure. He looked strong enough to fight an ox. She was tempted to ask about the health issue that prevented him from travelling, but ultimately decided against it. He was, after all, Ari’s father. After dinner,