Chapter 55: Know your place
In the evening, Lucius and Layla arrived at his father’s house for dinner. As there was still some time before the meal, Alekis turned to his son and asked, "Lucius, come to my room. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you."
Lucius glanced at Layla, who gave him a reassuring smile. "I’ll be fine," she said softly.
"Fiona will keep Layla company. Let them spend some time together," Alekis suggested before heading towards his room with Lucius.
After thanking the maid who had brought her a glass of water, Layla sipped it slowly. Fiona, who had been sitting nearby, spoke up with a knowing smile. "I can see the glow on your face after returning from your honeymoon. It seems you and Lucius are getting along quite well."
Layla lowered her glass and met Fiona’s gaze. "Yes, we are," she replied calmly.
Fiona’s smile remained, but her tone shifted slightly. "Lucius isn’t an easy man to love, you know. I wonder if you’re aware of what he does in his spare time," she said, her words laced with an unspoken insinuation.
Layla was well aware of Lucius’s past, but the way Fiona framed it made it seem as if there was something darker to be uncovered. Before she could respond, Fiona continued, her expression softening.
"I should also apologize on my son’s behalf for what happened that day. I don’t know why he acted that way, but he was wrong, and I regret it."
Layla’s brow furrowed slightly, but she remained composed. "There’s no need for you to apologize. Roderick already did, and that’s enough."