"But I'm afraid I have to decline."

Ebilade's footsteps were quiet against the polished floor as he entered the living room. His posture relaxed, though his expression was anything but. The moment his eyes landed on Silverline, a deep sigh escaped his lips, as though the very sight of her had exhausted him. He leaned against the doorway, arms folded across his chest, his gaze fixed on her with a mixture of curiosity and mild annoyance. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, the calm facade of the confident man cracking just a little.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief, as if expecting some kind of absurd answer. His gaze flicked to the clock on the wall, noting the early hour. It was barely past dawn, and yet here she was, sitting like it was the most natural thing in the world.