Following Sebastian's return to the Kozcivrie household, his car slowly approached the mansion. Even before it came to a stop, he noticed another familiar car parked at the entrance.
Ashton's.
Sebastian closed his eyes and let out a quiet sigh.
"This better be good."
The moment he stepped inside, laughter echoed from the backyard. His gaze drifted toward the pool. Ashton was lounging comfortably by the water, surrounded by several young women as if he hadn't a single concern in the world.
Sebastian took a step forward, fully intending to put an end to the scene.
Before he could, Ruth stepped into his path.
"You've come home earlier than I expected, darling."
A faint smile played across her lips.
"I thought you'd spend a little longer..."
Her eyes met his.
"...with the boy you've worked so hard to keep hidden."
Sebastian looked at her before turning his attention back to Ashton.
He already knew.
Ruth had allowed all of this.
"You spoil him far too much."
His voice remained calm.
"I'm beginning to wonder if I should be the one teaching him some discipline."
Ruth let out a quiet scoff.
It sounded more amused than offended.
Her gaze shifted toward Ashton.
"Why would you do that?"
She folded her arms.
"Weren't you exactly the same at his age?"
Silence.
Sebastian had no answer.
For perhaps the first time since returning home...
He realized Ashton hadn't inherited that behavior by accident.
It was already in his blood.
Ruth gave him one last teasing look before turning away.
"I'm going for a shower."
She glanced back over her shoulder, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
"I hope you haven't forgotten your wife is still here..."
Her fingers brushed lightly across his shoulder.
"...darling."
With a wink, she disappeared into the mansion.
Sebastian watched her leave before turning his attention back to the pool. Ashton was already looking at him. The moment their eyes met, he gave his father a strange look before grinning.
"Seriously?"
He gestured between Sebastian and the mansion.
"You two are still flirting after all these years."
Sebastian ignored the comment and walked toward him, both hands tucked into his pockets. Ashton rested his arms on the edge of the pool, already knowing this wasn't a casual visit.
Sebastian stopped in front of him.
"So..."
Ashton smirked.
"What's with the long face, Father?"
He chuckled to himself.
Sebastian, however, remained expressionless.
"Come on, Pop."
Ashton spread his arms.
"Loosen those shoulders of yours."
"Why don't you join us for once?"
The silence that followed was answer enough.
Sebastian looked at him steadily.
"I'm expecting progress, Ashton."
"I trust you haven't forgotten why you're in Russia."
Ashton shrugged before climbing out of the pool.
He grabbed a bathrobe and casually threw it over his shoulders.
"I settled everything."
"The only problem was that old man Petrov."
His expression darkened slightly.
"He kept delaying our meetings."
A faint irritation crossed his face.
"That old geezer actually thought he could play games with me."
He tightened the belt around his robe.
"He's fortunate we were there to do business."
A cold smile slowly formed.
"Otherwise..."
"I would've helped him find his grave a little sooner."
Ashton picked up his glass and finished the drink in a single gulp before setting it down with a dull thud. Sebastian turned to leave.
Just before walking away, he stopped.
"Don't cause too much trouble this time."
Ashton simply waved him off. Once his father disappeared from sight, a crooked smile slowly formed.
"Don't worry, Dad."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"No one's dead."
He glanced at his hand.
"Only a few hands got dirty this time."
Night quietly settled over the Kozcivrie estate. The music faded. The guests returned home. Silence finally reclaimed the mansion. With both hands tucked into his pockets, Ashton wandered through the hallways.
Every corner reminded him of the house he had grown up in.
Then—
A figure stepped out from the darkness.
Ashton instinctively stopped.
"...Mom."
He let out a breath.
"Could you stop doing that?"
Ruth covered her mouth, letting out a quiet laugh.
"You always appear from the shadows."
She walked past him and lightly tapped his chest.
"Old habits die hard, Ashton."
She looked ahead.
"The dark has always been my greatest weapon."
A faint smile crossed her lips.
"You should learn to make it yours as well."
Without another word, she continued down the hallway. Ashton watched her disappear before making his way toward the kitchen. The lights were still on. Several maids were gathered near the sink, finishing the dishes.
He paid them little attention...
Until a sentence made him stop.
"...Did you hear what happened?"
One maid lowered her voice.
"They said Master Sebastian has another son."
The other maid covered her mouth, trying to hide her laugh.
"I'm not surprised."
"Powerful men always think they can get away with anything."
"They spend their youth chasing women..."
"And everyone else has to clean up the mess."
The two continued laughing amongst themselves.
Neither noticed the footsteps behind them.
Only when they turned around...
Did the laughter disappear.
Both maids froze.
Their faces turned pale.
Standing just a few steps away...
Was Ashton.
His hands rested inside his pockets.
A slow grin spread across his face.
He had been listening...
The entire time.
"Go on."
His voice was calm.
"I've only heard half the story."
Neither maid dared to answer.
Their trembling made the silence even heavier.
Ashton let out a quiet chuckle.
"What?"
"Did the cat suddenly get your tongue?"
He tilted his head slightly, the grin never leaving his face.
"I promise..."
"I'm far more interested in the person you're talking about..."
He took one slow step closer.
"...than the gossip itself."
The two maids exchanged frightened glances, neither of them daring to speak.
Ashton's smile only widened.
"Now..."
He folded his arms.
"Let's start again."
"Who is this..."
"...other son?"