Chapter 82: First day of responsibility
The study was quiet, tucked away in the northern wing, far enough from the main estate traffic to prevent anyone from wandering in by accident. The same light filtered through the tall windows, warming the oak shelves and casting long, thoughtful shadows across the thick rugs.
Lucas sat at the desk in Trevor’s study, a tablet in one hand and a sleek computer in front of him.
Trevor stood near the open cabinet by the far wall, reviewing a few sealed folders as Windstone prepared another tablet—this one loaded with the estate’s current standings: staff lists, diplomatic requests, security clearances, and the rotating mess that was internal finance.
Lucas scanned the screen, his thumb brushing the edge. He had the other day to rest after the house tour, but today he was already introduced to his new role.
His name was listed there. Officially. Not beside Trevor’s in a footnote.
Not in delicate parentheses, an accessory to someone else’s position. But as co-head of estate affairs.
"Everything marked in blue is yours to review," Trevor said, his voice calm, steady, and almost unbearably normal. "You don’t have to approve them all immediately, but the staff will report to you directly starting next week."
Lucas looked up. "That’s a lot."
"It’s yours," Trevor said simply. "If you want it."
The tablet wasn’t heavy.
But the trust behind it was.
Lucas sat back slightly, his gaze drawn to the desk, tracing the faint ridges in the polished wood, the soft texture of the leather blotter, and the low hum of an air-conditioned room.