Chapter 19
The morning sun broke through the heavy clouds, painting the Greenwich estate in brilliant, cinematic shades of gold and emerald once again. The air was fresh and crisp, carrying the clean scent of ocean salt and damp earth, washing away the blood of the previous night.
Inside the grand dining hall, the massive mahogany table was set. The shattered glass in the foyer had already been swept away, the rigid discipline of the estate restored.
Adrian sat at the head of the table. He wore an immaculate tailored black suit and a crisp white dress shirt. His face carried a sense of profound, quiet peace that had been absent since the arrival of the broken pocket watch.
Sitting to his right was Emma. She looked radiant in a soft yellow silk blouse, her blonde-brown hair falling in gentle waves. She reached across the table, her delicate hand resting warmly atop Adrian’s broad, tattooed hand. Adrian turned his hand over, intertwining his fingers with hers, an unspoken acknowledgment of the future they were building together.
At the end of the table sat seven-year-old Nora. She wore a beautiful pale-blue floral dress, white socks, and yellow shoes. The oversized black silk tie remained wrapped proudly around her collar. In front of her sat a plate of pancakes, flanked by her yellow purse and her encrypted phone.
Nora picked up a silver fork, tilted her head to the left, rested her chin on her curled fist, and studied her breakfast with intense, businesslike concentration.
"Eat your breakfast, sweetie," Emma smiled affectionately.
Nora looked up at Adrian, her bright blue eyes sparkling with innocent authority. She flipped open her phone and pressed it against her cheek.
May you like
"Cancel my morning meeting," Nora commanded gravely. "I am eating pancakes."
Adrian let out a deep, booming laugh that echoed through the grand dining hall. He picked up his coffee cup, raising it toward his niece in a silent, affectionate toast. "A wise business decision, little boss."
