Rejection

Evander leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly as he tapped his fingers against the polished surface of his mahogany desk. A sip of his coffee, now lukewarm, did little to shake off the lingering thoughts from the weekend.

It had gone well—better than he expected. Ashton had visited Lydia's workplace, and despite his initial concerns, everything had gone smoothly. Delphinia had reassured him that Ashton had been comfortable, even entertained, by the experience. Evander had spent most of the night reflecting on it. He should be relieved, and yet, there was an unsettling feeling gnawing at the back of his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted when the door creaked open, and Hugo stepped in, his usual composed expression intact. The man carried a tablet in one hand, already prepared to brief him on the day's schedule.

"Sir, good morning," Hugo greeted, adjusting his glasses as he approached the desk.