Chapter 280 - Overdue hellos
Scarlett rose from her seat and exited the parlour. Garside was waiting outside in the hallway, bowing respectfully as he held the door for her.
“I trust the meeting went well, my Lady?” he asked, his gaze flicking briefly to the now-empty room behind her without further comment.
“Indeed,” Scarlett replied, a hint of amusement in her voice at the man’s unflappable demeanour. He didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the fact that Kat had somehow just disappeared. “Would you be so kind as to fetch Fynn and Rosa? Have them meet me in the library.”
This might be a good time for introductions.
“Of course, my Lady.” The butler bowed once more before departing down the corridor, while Scarlett moved in the opposite direction, her heels clicking softly against the carpeted floor.
As she navigated the mansion’s hallways, the murmur of familiar voices reached her ears once she neared her destination. Approaching the library, she pushed the door open, finding three pairs of eyes instantly turning towards her.
“There you are!” Kat called from an alcove in the corner, nestled by a cozy arched window. She shot Scarlett an accusatory glare. “What the Blazes did you just do to me?!”
Scarlett’s lips curved up into a slight smile. “You expressed your interest in Allyssa and Shin’s well-being, so I took the liberty of arranging a more expedient reunion for you three via our house spirit. Was that not to your liking?”
Kat’s mouth opened, then closed, and she stood there in silence for several seconds before grumbling, “I would’ve appreciated a little warning first…”
“Do not be so particular,” Scarlett said, glancing around the library. Shin sat in a corner, returning his focus to a book on his lap, while Allyssa was perched on one of the windowsills overlooking the estate’s eastern garden and the snow-dusted treetops beyond. Curled up beside her was today’s other unannounced guest — a sleek black cat with brilliant amethyst eyes, purring contentedly under her gentle strokes.
“Empress. Welcome,” Scarlett addressed the feline. “It is always a pleasure to have you grace us with your presence.”
The cat dipped her head in a regal acknowledgment before turning her attention to the window, clearly pleased with Allyssa’s ministrations.