ch-13

Caden sat in his dimly lit study, the warm glow of the fireplace casting flickering shadows against the dark mahogany walls. He adjusted the silver-rimmed opticals perched on his nose as he meticulously sifted through a stack of documents, his sharp gaze scanning each page with precision. His neatly styled hair had a slight tousle from the long hours spent at his desk, and the tailored fit of his dark suit only accentuated his commanding presence.

Opposite him stood his right-hand man, waiting patiently for instructions. "We need to double-check the shipments arriving next week," Caden stated, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Make sure the ledgers align and send someone to oversee the transactions personally."

His subordinate nodded. "Understood, sir. And about the issue at the northern border—"

Caden exhaled, rubbing his temple before removing his opticals momentarily. "Assign a few trusted men to keep an eye on the movement there. If anything seems amiss, I want to be the first to know."

Once the discussion concluded, Caden dismissed his man with a nod. As the heavy study doors closed behind him, he leaned back in his chair, staring at the flickering flames in contemplation. His thoughts drifted, an uncharacteristic distraction clouding his usual focus.

A soft knock at the door pulled him back to the present. He adjusted his opticals once more before calling out, "Enter."

The door creaked open, revealing a maid standing stiffly in the doorway. "Sir, Lady Anastasia has arrived to see you."

Caden's fingers drummed against the polished surface of his desk. His expression remained unreadable, yet a knowing glint flickered in his cold gaze. "Send her in."

As the maid curtsied and stepped aside, Anastasia stepped into the room, her delicate frame illuminated by the golden candlelight. Dressed in an elegant nightgown, her hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, framing her face in a way that made her look both vulnerable and defiant.

Caden remained seated, his intense gaze locking onto hers as she hesitated in the doorway. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit, Anastasia?" he drawled, his voice smooth but laced with something unreadable.

The night stretched on, thick with unspoken tension as the two faced each other in the quiet confines of the study.