The knock was soft but firm, and Starry immediately rose to answer it. Chloe glanced at him as he strode to the door, his usual air of authority surrounding him.
When he opened it, the maid stood there, her expression calm but serious.
"Sir, your father would like to see you in the library. He says it’s important."
Starry nodded curtly. “Tell him I’ll be there in a moment.”
The maid gave a small bow and left. Starry turned back to Chloe. “I’ll be back soon. Don’t wait up.” Without another word, he left the room, closing the door behind him.
Chloe sighed, leaning back on the bed. The mattress was soft, like a cloud beneath her, but the tension from the evening weighed her down.
In the library, Lucas Wordsworth was seated in a large armchair, the warm glow of the fire casting shadows
