Author's POV
Elias leaned back on the sofa, taking small sips of the digestive tea Viya had personally prepared before leaving.
His gaze drifted over the expensive gifts on the coffee table—Moon berry extract, Silver leaf honey, Nightfall truffles. All very costly. Quite the gesture.
"So you're saying you want me to take your sister-in-law as my student?" Elias asked, his voice tinged with obvious disdain.
Lucius nodded respectfully. "Yes, Dr. Elias. I know you're at an age where you deserve peaceful retirement, and I shouldn't be asking this favor, but Miranda has been through so much..."
"No matter her struggles," Elias interrupted calmly, "doesn't she have you—her brother-in-law with whom she's romantically involved—to help her?"
The old man was clearly taking Viya's
