The Valley.
The dining room glowed warmly under the crystal chandelier.
Plates of carefully prepared food sat untouched as steam slowly faded into the air and the delicious steak slowly grew cold.
"Young master, please. You need to eat your dinner."
Jimmy stood beside the table with the patience of a man who had repeated the same sentence far too many times tonight.
Oliver sat upright in his chair, arms crossed firmly over his chest, his small face set with stubborn determination.
"Later, Jimmy. I'm waiting for Daddy," he said thoughtfully. "We eat together."
Jimmy smiled gently. "Your father may be delayed, young master. You can start first."
"No," Oliver replied without hesitation. "Daddy will come any moment. I know it."
Jimmy tried again.
And again.
He changed his tone, softened his voice, and even tried a light bribe with dessert.
Nothing worked.
Oliver remained unmoved, staring at his untouched steak as if it had personally upset him.
