Chapter 138: Built to be Broken
The next morning,
The Lancaster mansion stood like a statement of glass and marble, as if declaring it had always been there and would always remain.
Inside, the east breakfast room was pristine. Sunlight spilled across the polished floor, catching the silverware and tall vases of fresh hydrangeas. The scent of brewed coffee, citrus, and warm bread lingered like an offering.
Isabella was already at the table. She had arranged everything herself that morning, sliced fruit in crystal bowls, omelets folded to perfection, a newspaper folded beside Edward’s seat, and fresh croissants layered in a basket.
But the moment Alaric walked in, she went quiet. She wasn’t cold, but didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t used to showing emotions around her son. Not the soft ones, at least.
"Ric... I was waiting for you," Edward greeted, his voice warm as he folded his reading glasses and set aside his business newspaper.
Alaric took the seat to the left of Edward, opposite Isabella.
"You’ve been in every paper since Laurent’s event. I’ve never had this many people call just to ask me for favors," Edward chuckled softly. "Vantex, NexGuard, everyone wants in. Some even had the nerve to send portfolio links." He laughed.
Edward was visibly happy, not because of Alaric’s growing business or fame, but simply because Alaric was visiting them for breakfast on his own.
Isabella stole glances at her son as she quietly began serving her husband and herself. When Alaric had called Edward last night, though she was excited, fear lingered in the back of her mind.
The quiet stretched for some time. Edward internally sighed. If he had ever seen Alaric speaking with someone for a long time, it was with Aveline at the Laurent exhibit and auction.
For the rest of the events, Alaric remained quiet. As a kid or grown-up, he chose quietness, especially with family members.