The dining hall was silent, too silent. Alvin Reed sat at the far end of the long mahogany table, a half-filled glass of wine resting between his fingers. The clink of crystal against his ring echoed faintly as he swirled the deep red liquid, but even that sound couldn't mask the emptiness of the mansion.
He hated silence. It made the house feel hollow, lifeless. But more than that, it made him miss her—Harper.
He sighed, leaning back in his chair. It had been months since she'd sat across from him at this very table, but her presence filled the house with warmth. Now, it was just cold air and memories.
