Mrs. Clarke raised her knuckles and gave the polished oak door a couple of solid knocks. "It's me. I've brought Liliana."
A calm, deep voice floated from inside.
"...Okay. You may enter."
With a click, the handle turned, and the heavy door creaked open. Liliana stepped in first, her footsteps light yet tinged with nerves. Sylvester followed closely behind, his eyes darting around the room like a hawk taking in every corner, every shadow, every little detail.
Mrs. Clarke was the last to enter, gently closing the door behind them with a soft thud that seemed to shut out the world beyond.
Inside, the air was tinged with the scents of oak, tobacco, and fine liquor. Warm light from a chandelier spilled over leather chairs and bookshelves crammed with old records and files.
At the far end of the room, with his back partially turned, stood Mr. Reid. He was silhouetted against the tall windows, the city lights twinkling behind him like scattered stars.
In one hand, he held a half-empty glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light as he swirled it absentmindedly. His posture was relaxed, but there was a certain weight to the way he carried himself, as if every movement was intentional.
Liliana's face brightened the moment she spotted him, the heaviness in the room lifting in her eyes.
"Father… it's only been two or three days since I last saw you, but it feels like so much longer."
Her voice was warm and cheerful, filled with the kind of affection only a daughter could express.
Finally, Rohan Reid turned from the window. His sharp features softened just a bit by the whiskey in his hand and a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Yes… it has been a while, Liliana."
But as his gaze shifted, it landed on the boy standing beside her. The softness vanished, replaced by a keen, assessing look.
"And who is this?"
Liliana immediately lit up, stepping closer to Sylvester and gently wrapping her hand around his arm.
"This is Sylvester… my boyfriend." She shot a playful glance at Sylvester before giving him a light nudge.
Sylvester, ever calm and unreadable, straightened his posture. His eyes locked onto Rohan's with a quiet confidence.
"Sylvester Aldric Blackthorne, sir." His voice was steady respectful yet firm, neither shrinking back nor boasting.
For a moment, silence filled the room as Rohan studied him, the glass of whiskey swirling slowly in his hand.
Rohan's sharp gaze flicked from Sylvester to Liliana, the whiskey in his grip now forgotten.
"Why is he here?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with suspicion.
Liliana's smile remained unwavering. She stepped a bit closer to Sylvester, her hand brushing lightly against his arm.
"He… wants to help with the mission, Father," she replied cheerfully.
Rohan's brow furrowed. The words seemed to hit him hard, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Sylvester.
"And what exactly are you to my daughter, Sylvester?"
Sylvester's expression stayed composed, his tone smooth and deliberate, just enough to plant a seed of trust and curiosity.
"Sir… I was Ellie's first friend. We used to hang out whenever we had the chance. Sometimes, I could sense something was off, and I'd ask her about it—but she'd just shut me down. Didn't want to talk."
There was a subtle edge to his words, a hint of manipulation, careful not to overstep but enough to make Rohan think twice.
Rohan's eyes narrowed, his cold, calculating gaze fixed on Sylvester. After a moment, he finally spoke, his voice low and measured.
"She did mention… that she had a friend. Especially a male one."
The silence that followed was heavy, the unspoken tension between them thick enough to slice through.
The three of them settled into the plush, high-backed leather chairs in Rohan's office. The air was tinged with the scent of aged wood and polished leather, while the sprawling city skyline loomed behind the massive window.
Rohan placed his glass of whiskey down with a soft clink, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized Sylvester. "Why get involved? What's your reason for helping her?" he asked, his voice steady yet probing.
Sylvester leaned in a bit, hands clasped together. His gaze was sharp and intense, almost burning with a controlled fury. "For revenge," he replied simply. "For the death of my first friend since I transferred here."
His words hung in the air, each one laced with raw emotion. There was rage, but it was focused—calculated and palpable. Liliana rested her hand lightly on his arm, offering silent support.
Rohan's eyes flickered as he studied Sylvester closely. He could see the fire, the genuine intensity. He found himself nodding slightly. "Alright. You can help," he said, his voice clipped. "But only if you follow my orders. I won't tolerate recklessness."
Sylvester nodded respectfully. "Understood." He paused, allowing the silence to settle. "As for the plan… we'll follow yours. Right now, we're already dealing with one of the bullies. Things are in motion."
As Sylvester spoke, the scene shifted.
Regan lay in the stark, white-washed hospital room, bandages wrapped around his torso, an IV steadily dripping into his arm. His pride was wounded more than his body, the bruises on his face only amplifying his fury.
The quiet beep of the monitor and the soft hum of the ventilator were the only sounds breaking the stillness in the room.
Rohan pushed himself up from his chair, the polished leather creaking softly beneath him. Sylvester followed suit, rising with a calm elegance.
They met in the middle of the room, their hands locking in a handshake that felt far more significant than just a formality.
"We'll ensure Ellie finds her peace," Rohan said, his voice steady and serious.
Sylvester's gaze met his, dark and unwavering. "Once this revenge arc wraps up… it will be finished."
No further words were necessary. The agreement was sealed.
Liliana let out a soft sigh of relief, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit. Sylvester turned toward the door, gesturing for her to come along.
As they stepped out, Liliana leaned in closer, a playful sparkle in her eyes. "So… about that date?" she teased, giving him a gentle nudge.
Sylvester shook his head, his tone flat but calm. "No. There is no date."
She pouted again, putting on a show of disappointment. He fought the urge to roll his eyes.
Mrs. Clarke trailed closely behind, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. She shot a quick glance at Sylvester before speaking. "Sir… you might have found your other self."
"What do you mean?" Rohan asked, his voice firm yet curious.
Mrs. Clarke's expression remained impassive. "Nothing, sir."
She fell back into her place behind Sylvester and Liliana, walking silently with them as they navigated through the building. The buzz of activity around them felt distant now, the weight of their earlier conversation hanging in the air.
Liliana stole another glance at Sylvester, still hoping for a different answer about the date, but he stayed stoic, his mind already set on the road ahead.
The three of them moved forward, their steps deliberate and purposeful, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.