By the time Ocean and his entourage took their leave from the Lockwood mansion, the atmosphere surrounding Gareth Lockwood was so thick with tension, it could've been carved with a blade.
Whatever had transpired during their walk had clearly rattled the Marquess—and everyone noticed.
Outside, as the sleek black carriage bearing the Ryujin crest waited at the edge of the drive, Ocean cast a sidelong glance at the three uninvited "puppies" trailing behind him—Arian, Davian, and Miri.
His eyes, cool and unreadable, flicked over them as they veered past the carriage they had originally arrived in and shamelessly made their way to his. Not a word was spoken, they knew Ocean wouldn't scold them or throw them out. And true to their thoughts, he didn't protest. He was a tolerant person when it came to his people.
