The long stretch of red tulips filled Severine's vision, petals swaying like a sea of fire under the afternoon sun.
Two days of holiday had given her enough time to inspect the land personally. It was the same land Killian had given to Alina after that banquet mishap. It was an apology steeped in prestige.
Although Alina didn't want to accept it, the grown-up her wasn't the same fiery, spirited person as before. By then, she had realized how important it was to have money.
So, she agreed, opening up a path to become the pampered daughter-in-law.
Honestly, the vague glimpses of the future she wasn't supposed to see left a bitter taste in her mouth.
On one hand, she was glad about the knowledge it brought to her, yet at the same time, those memories haunted her, forcing her to wake up drenched in cold sweat.
"Let's acquire it," she said at last. "Close the deal as soon as possible."
Samuel nodded. "I'll talk to the owner right away. Do you want to oversee it?"
Severine shook her head.
That was Samuel's cue to leave his boss alone amidst the vibrant sea of red. "Alright."
The wind teased strands of her dark hair. The gray shirt she wore fluttered softly, almost innocently, against the stark vibrance around her.
Tulips in riotous bloom, yet their scent was mild, nearly mingling with the fresh grass.
What a strange combination, she mused with a soft smile.
"Didn't expect to see you here, Miss Vale."
A low, deep voice called from behind, stiffening her body. Something about the cadence, the weight of the words, set all her senses on alert.
Thanks to her good control over her expression, she turned to look at the person with slightly wide eyes.
Red eyes, slightly tousled dark hair, and an amused smirk on the corner of his lips. Even standing quietly, he commanded attention.
The view overlapped with the person she had met at the Fiala ground, and then to the hidden staircase.
Counting those, this was her third meeting with Killian Rhett King, and each time, his expression had been different.
"Mr. King," Severine called, inclining her head in a polite, controlled greeting. "Thank you for your help last time."
Killian wasn't wearing a leather jacket this time. A crisp dark blue suit hugged his broad frame, giving him an aura of an elite business tycoon.
"If you need anything that is within my capabilities, inform me."
It was better to settle things with favors than to drag it out.
However, the smile on Killian's face gave her a strange foreboding.
"Haven't you already done so?" Killian raised his brow. " I was going to thank you, but I suppose we can call it mutual aid."
"Huh?" she tilted her head to the side. When have I ever helped you?
She was busy running away from all the main characters, and this person was no exception.
Killian let out a soft chuckle, amused by her reaction. "The dishes at The Ninth Table are quite to my taste. A pity I can't dine there for now."
A casual remark with a nonchalant smile. Yet those words made her heart thud against her ribcage.
The Ninth Table was the restaurant chain under her name. It was the very place where she and Alina had witnessed Killian being pestered by Emily Rhodes.
He knew. He was aware of it all this time!
Severine's lips pursed in a thin line. Her cold face betrayed none of the turmoil that had gone through her mind.
"I see." That was all she could utter.
Saying that, her gaze drifted to the sea of red tulips again.
Both are red in color, but his eyes are deeper in shade.
The weight of his gaze pressed subtly against her awareness, like a shadow stretching to touch every corner of her mind.
Awkward silence engulfed them.
She didn't wish to talk to someone who would wield such a strong grip over the business world. There was no telling what might set him off.
When one didn't know their enemy, it was better to stay calm.
Secondly, his earlier comment made her afraid.
It gave her a new idea about his hidden powers. Even if it was too early in the timeline, this young man still wasn't easy to read, much less manipulate.
It wasn't like she could casually ask him why he was there. They weren't that close, and it might make her appear too eager or even suspicious in her motives.
Luckily, I remembered to tamper with the footage of the hallway.
She exhaled, trying her best to ignore the heavy presence beside her.
Killian's bright red eyes were taking in all the movements the young lady displayed, though the reaction wasn't what he had expected.
Why is she so calm?
His eyes narrowed slightly as he followed her, gazing at the red flowers.
"Pretty, aren't they?" he said. "It's a pity they don't live that long."
All the little knowledge she had about him came from her prophetic dreams.
However, Killian appeared in the latter half of the novel when Severine was already suffering from the consequences of her actions.
The knowledge of the part after her death came to her in tiny snippets. Hence, she really couldn't understand what this villain was up to.
"Not really. They look happy to me."
It wasn't like other flowers had rivals or secrets kids, anyway.
"Happy?"
The way he leaned slightly forward, the subtle tilt of his head, made Severine aware that she had blurted her thoughts aloud.
"Ah... Nothing. Why are you here, Mr. King?" Severine asked, trying to steady her voice.
Killian stared at her for a bit longer before chuckling softly. "You look wary of me. Though I don't quite understand why."
Indeed. Severine agreed. After all, he had helped her and even sent her to the hospital. So, she should be grateful.
"... Maybe I am just flustered and don't know how to face you?"
Her words didn't sound convincing at all, making Killian's lips twitch.
"Well," he said finally, straightening, "I suppose it's time I take my leave."
Severine was eager to nod her head. Though on the outside, she merely said a polite goodbye.
"I look forward to meeting with you again, Miss Vale."
I pray I never have to meet you again...
But when had fate listened to her prayers?