Chapter 17: A Shadow Behind
Though the envelope weighed heavily in her hands, she had to set it aside. Her father and brother were waiting for her. Thinking she would have to plan her next steps later, she made her way to the top floor where her brother's office was.
"Am I late?" Aveline asked, stepping into the room, looking at the man behind the desk.
Henry Laurent.
He was tall and had an imposing figure, with salt-and-pepper hair and steely gray eyes. His expression was stern with an air of authority and disappointment flickered when he met Aveline's gaze.
Her eyes darted towards the couch where her brother sat, flipping through a file.
Charles Laurent.
He was a mirror image of their father in his appearance. Instead of meeting her eyes with disappointment, his eyes twinkled with mischief. He winked, silently telling her to relax.
He was the only one who had ever encouraged her to join the company, to build a career rather than wasting away at meaningless social gatherings with women who lived for gossip.
Aveline pretended to check her watch and gasped dramatically, "There are still ten more minutes."
However, Henry noticed the coffee tumbler in her hand. His brows furrowed, "Caffeine, Lina." His voice carried that familiar edge of disapproval.
He had never approved of her habit of drinking black coffee, especially not in moments of stress. He always believed women should prioritize their health, eat fruits, and leave the troubles of business to men.