Chapter 67 - 66: Sunset and Peace
Rex shrugged, ordering a plate of seared salmon with herbed butter, grilled vegetables, and a glass of chilled lemonade. The staff were pleasant, the food arrived fast, and the breeze was gentle. He spent the next forty minutes quietly enjoying his food and the view—no disturbances, no pressure. Just peace.
Before leaving, he had them pack two extra portions—seared salmon with herbed butter and sides—same as him, figuring it wouldn’t hurt. Victor and Kaelan had refused earlier, sure, but the food was delicious, and he didn’t mind spending a bit to build some goodwill. They were going to be spending a lot of time together from now on, after all, and a good meal was as good a starting point as any.
With the takeaway bags in the passenger seat, he pulled out from the restaurant lot and merged onto the coastal road that traced the edge of the beach. The sky was starting to burn with the oranges and purples of twilight. Waves crashed in rhythm beside him, the sea painted gold by the setting sun. Seagulls called lazily overhead, and the breeze drifting through his open windows carried a soft mix of salt, sand, and summer.
As he turned inland, the city gradually rose to meet him—modern buildings, glass windows reflected the last light of day like mirrors, the edges of Los Angeles slowly waking up for the night.
By the time he reached his gated residence, the sun had already dipped below the horizon.
The gates opened automatically, welcoming him with a soft hum. As he pulled into the driveway, he paused.
His old black Honda Civic sat neatly in the garage. Though the frame was a bit dated and the leather seats had seen better days, it looked spotless. Not only had Victor brought it back, Clearly, he’d had it cleaned on the way too.
Quite thoughtful.
Victor leaned against the garage wall nearby, arms crossed and a smug smile on his face.
"How is it?" he asked proudly.
Rex didn’t say anything, especially seeing that smug face. So, He just tossed him the takeaway bag. "Here, your reward. Don’t eat it all alone—it has Kaelan’s share too," he added casually.