Chapter 130 - Hundred And Thirty
After the study door was closed, leaving Eric and Aiden alone, Duke Nelson’s voice could be heard from the hallway, his tone full of fatherly pride. "Eudora, my dear, your hospitality is always a blessing." They could hear Eudora response. " Thank you, father."
Eric’s polite, professional smile dropped the instant he was no longer being watched. He looked at the glass of water and the plate of delicate pastries that Eudora had so thoughtfully placed in front of him. They were a clear, unmistakable gesture of her favor.
"Dispose of it," he said to Aiden, his voice low and flat.
Aiden looked at the untouched refreshments. "It is not good to waste food, Your Grace," he replied, always the idealist. "If you do not want them, I will eat them myself." Without waiting for a reply, Aiden took the glass of water and the plate of pastries, quickly finishing them off as if they were his own.
A few minutes later, Duke Nelson came back into the study, carrying their own neatly sealed copy of the agreement. " We will discuss on the colors, quality, quantity, crates, durations and so on for the next shipment of the dyes." He said as he got to his seat.
Eric nodded. "indeed. That won’t be a problem."
Nelson gave Eric the copy and Aiden collected it, his face a mask of perfect, professional decorum. Eric and Aiden both stood up, the meeting now concluded.
"Until tomorrow, then, Your Grace," Eric said, extending his hand. They shook, the handshake firm and final.
"Until tomorrow," Nelson nodded. " Your Grace."
As Eric and Aiden got to the grand, open-air front entrance of the villa, Eudora was suddenly there, her expression bright and cheerful. "Your Grace," she said, her voice like a sweet melody. Before he could react, she took his arm, her grip surprisingly firm for such a delicate-looking young woman. "Would you love to stay for lunch?" she asked, her eyes shining with a hopeful, girlish excitement. " The kitchen is making something special. I’m sure you will love it."