The crisp morning air was sharp against Damien's skin as he stood by the sleek black car waiting for him in the grand courtyard of the Elford estate. The final step before his departure.
His mother had already bid her farewells—dramatic as expected, yet genuinely warm. She had fussed, straightened his collar, and reminded him—twice—to take care of himself. And while Damien had sighed at her motherly overindulgence, a part of him had… appreciated it.
But now, it was just him and Dominic.
His father stood a few paces away, hands clasped behind his back, his sharp gray eyes unreadable. The faint morning sunlight barely softened the austere presence he carried, his tailored black suit impeccable as always.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The estate staff bustled in the background, finishing the last of the preparations. Elysia stood by the car, waiting silently.
Finally, Dominic exhaled. "Everything is in place at Blackthorne Villa. The modifications have been completed."
