Night fell, swallowing the suburbs in darkness.
Meanwhile, the banquet hall in the city center blazed with light.
Sebastian, dressed in a custom suit, had Vivienne's smiling figure on one arm.
His other hand held Lucas, polished, obedient, and handsome.
The three of them moved through the crowd with effortless grace, a picture-perfect family in every sense.
The organizers had arranged a special interview segment.
The reporters, all carefully instructed by Sebastian in advance, followed the script exactly.
"Mr. Blackwood, everyone knows you've remained devoted to your late ex-wife all these years. Has anything changed recently? And how will that affect your relationship with Ms. Vivienne Hale?"
Sebastian lowered his eyes slightly, something unreadable flickering in them.
"About Ela
