The atmosphere at the dining table was a study in social warfare, the air heavy with the scent of expensive perfume and the unspoken weight of influence.
Leonard Kade leaned back in his chair, his eyes assessing Emilia with a professional sharpness that felt more like a boardroom review than a casual dinner conversation.
"I’ve been tracking your recent project, Emilia," Leonard began, his voice resonant and authoritative.
"The way you handled the logistics for the city’s redevelopment tender showed a level of foresight that is rare for your age. It’s the kind of strategic thinking the Kade family values."
Helena Kade nodded in elegant agreement, her movements as precise as a clockwork mechanism.
"Composure is the foundation of legacy, my dear. You have carried your family name with
