The Blackwood Manor felt unusually quiet.
Elara had never realized how much of Sebastian's presence filled the mansion until he was gone.
At breakfast, his chair remained empty.
During lunch, she instinctively looked toward the driveway whenever she heard a car.
Each time...
She remembered he was thousands of miles away.
Mrs. Hayes noticed immediately.
"You miss him."
Elara nearly dropped her teacup.
"I-I don't."
Mrs. Hayes smiled knowingly.
"My dear, you've looked toward the front gate six times in the last ten minutes."
Victor, sitting nearby with a sandwich, nodded dramatically.
"I counted eight."
Elara covered her face.
"Is it really that obvious?"
Victor laughed.
"Only to everyone."
Her cheeks turned crimson.
---
Meanwhile...
Singapore.
The executive conference h
