Chapter 94: Her damp hair
"Father, why don’t you stay for dinner with us?" Layla asked warmly, a hopeful smile on her face.
"Maybe next time," Alekis replied, his gaze shifting to Lucius before he prepared to leave.
"I’ll walk Dad out," Lucius offered, stepping forward to accompany his father, leaving Layla waiting in the living room.
Once at the car, Lucius opened the backseat door, and Alekis placed a firm, reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder. "I know you’ve been wondering why I visited today," Alekis began. "I wanted to check on you and Layla, and I realized I can’t remain impartial between you and your wife. Offering a small portion of the shares to Layla felt right; she’s looking after you well, and I didn’t expect her to be such a good wife," he admitted, a hint of admiration in his tone.
Lucius nodded, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "I’m glad you see her for who she truly is, Dad. You once carried doubts about Layla, but it’s a relief to know they’ve finally cleared," he replied, his earlier reservations now fading.
Alekis looked thoughtful for a moment before adding, "I didn’t mention it inside, but I learned that Sylvia has returned. I hope she’s not causing you any trouble," he said, his gaze filled with quiet concern.
"She isn’t," Lucius replied evenly, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of caution.
"Good to know. I’ll be on my way, then." With a final nod, Alekis stepped into the car, and as it pulled away, Lucius tucked his hands into his pockets, watching until the car faded down the drive. Then, with a contemplative expression, he turned and headed back inside.
"Madam is in the garden," the maid informed him as he entered the house.