"Are you leaving?" Hades asked, raising his brows.
Quintessa nodded slowly. "Yes. I just wanted to see you… and now that I know you're healthy, I can return with a smile," she said softly, holding her son's hands.
They stood in the reception hall. Kaelith had gone to her office for some work, leaving just the two of them.
Luna and Peri sat a little farther away, giving them space to talk.
Hades looked at his mother with warmth in his eyes. "I'm glad you came, Mom. And on such a lucky day too. Quite the coincidence, isn't it?"
Quintessa lowered her gaze and nodded. "Right… I suddenly felt like visiting you, and it turns out this day was meant to be celebrated. Aren't I lucky?"
Hades studied her face, his brows lifting slightly. Quintessa's smile faltered under his gaze, and before she could look away, he spoke,
"Lying doesn't suit you, Ma. Tell me the truth—did you really come here for a casual visit?"
