Our attention snapped to the entrance as the door to Mr. Anderson's reception hall swung open. Seeing Dorian and Eric stride in, I seized the opportunity to stand up, greeting them to escape the intriguing mix of emotions hovering between Alex and me.
My shawl had casually slipped onto my chair, and I hesitated for a moment before reaching for it.
"Blair surely wouldn't have spoiled that dress with a shawl," my inner voice chimed in with a touch of irony.
Undeterred, I headed towards the door and extended my hand to shake Eric's.
"You've grown so much, Blake. Feels like it's been years since I last saw you," he remarked, laughter etching fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. His once-black hair now sported hints of gray.
Decked out in his customary black suit, Eric maintained an
