At the Hawkins family dinner table, a scene of perfect harmony unfolded.
After lunch, the Hawkins family invited them to tea in the backyard garden.
It was mid-autumn—crisp and refreshing, with a cool breeze lending an air of refined elegance.
"Well, after all these years of friendship, I won't beat around the bush," Walter Hawkins said, only after the servants had finished pouring the tea.
William Casey chimed in immediately. "Of course, Walter. Say whatever's on your mind. Regarding Alice and Zachary's wedding, we'll leave everything to you."
"Then I'll speak plainly," Walter said, wearing a generous expression. "The wedding is next month, and we won't be cutting corners. After all, both our families are among Kaldryn's Four Great Clans. Weddings are never to be taken lightly. We'll
