A request Arianne couldn’t turn down arrived from Gilbert. She hadn’t been surprised that Nate and Julian wanted to see her—only that they had waited until now.
"Nate and Juls want to see you and Franz, Aria. Dinner at my place on Sunday?"
Arianne stared at Gilbert’s ssage for a long mont before releasing a slow breath. The screen remained lit in her hand.
"You, okay?" Franz asked.
They had just finished dinner. Franz stood at the sink, washing the dishes, while Arianne dried each plate and stacked them to her right on the counter.
Arianne set her phone face down near the edge of the counter and continued drying the plates.
"The boys invited us for dinner," she said, her tone controlled.
Franz paused mid-motion, water running over the plate in his hands.
"Really? When?"
"Sunday. Dinner. Are you free?"
"Sunday?" He shut off the tap and placed the dish on the rack before answering. "I’m assigned to help the twins with their night routine." He paused. "Do you think it’s alright to ask Aunt Estella to cover for just once?"
"I’m sure she won’t mind, as long as you give her sothing in return. She hasn’t stopped ntioning the exclusive screening tickets you secured for her last ti."
A faint smile appeared on Franz’s face. He resud washing and passed the cleaned dishes to her one at a ti. From the sitting area, Lily’s laughter carried clearly as she watched television with Aunt Estella and Leo.
"I’m glad she enjoyed it. I’ll arrange sothing."
Arianne rinsed her hands, folded the dishcloth once, and placed it neatly beside the sink. Franz turned off the overhead kitchen lights, leaving only the lamps in the living area on.
The house shifted into its evening routine without instruction. Doors were checked. Shoes were aligned by the entryway. Franz retrieved the jacket he had left draped over the armrest earlier and glanced toward the hallway to ensure nothing had been overlooked.
–
Sunday arrived.
It was late afternoon when Franz checked on the twins in the playroom on the first floor. He had dressed more formally than usual, choosing a pressed shirt and a darker coat.
"Uncle!" Lily called from the carpeted area near the shelves. "Can we order pizza tonight? Please?"
Franz looked toward Arianne, who stood near the doorway, waiting for him to finish checking the room.
"Haven’t you had cake earlier?" Arianne replied evenly. "If you behave tonight and don’t trouble Aunt Estella, we’ll consider buying pizza tomorrow."
Lily and Leo agreed imdiately. They linked their pinkies with Arianne’s in a brief promise before returning to their toys.
At the entrance, Arianne reached for her coat from the stand beside the door. Franz checked his phone for the driver’s ssage and slipped it back into his pocket once the arrival ti appeared. Aunt Estella waved from the hallway, already guiding the twins back toward the couch.
The front door closed behind them with a muted click. The air outside felt cooler than earlier, carrying the faint scent of damp pavent from the afternoon drizzle.
A black sedan waited at the curb just beyond the villa gates. A second vehicle remained parked several ters behind it for security.
They entered the first car. The driver closed the door and returned to his seat. The gates opened slowly and shut again once both vehicles passed through.
Traffic remained light. Streetlights passed at asured intervals along the road.
Franz rested his hands on his knees, posture straight. The driver adjusted the rearview mirror once before focusing forward. The second vehicle maintained a consistent following distance.
Arianne glanced at Franz. His jaw remained set.
"What’s wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," Franz replied, adjusting the scarf at his collar once before lowering his hand. He didn’t want to look like he’d tried too hard.
"You don’t seem well. Should we turn back?"
"No. There’s no need."
He doubted she would understand the weight he placed on this eting. These were her long-standing friends. He had t them before, but not under these circumstances.
The neighborhood shifted as they approached the Pemberton property. Houses stood farther apart. Gates were recessed from the main road. The driver slowed as the car turned onto a private drive, tires moving briefly over gravel before reaching smooth pavent again.
The house ca into view with several interior lights already on. Curtains remained open. No staff stood at the entrance.
Two security personnel waited outside and opened the door for them. They led Arianne and Franz through the front entrance and announced their arrival inside the foyer.
Nathaniel Jacobs looked up from the counter where he had been leaning.
"You’re late," he said mildly.
After a brief pause, he added, "Or maybe we are."
He looked at Franz for a mont. "Huh. That explains a few things."
Franz furrowed his brows, but didn’t say a word
Nate clapped Franz once on the shoulder before calling toward the garden. Gilbert stood near the glass doors, still on the phone. He raised one finger to signal that he needed a mont.
Julian Moreau rose from the couch positioned near the fireplace.
"Arianne," he said. "I’m glad you ca."
He then extended his hand to Franz.
"Franz. Good to see you."
"I’m surprised you really brought him," Nate said lightly, looking at Arianne.
Arianne raised a brow.
"Didn’t you ask to?"
Julian handed Arianne a flute of champagne. Nate offered Franz a can of beer, which he declined with a brief shake of his head.
"I should have said this earlier," Julian added calmly. "Congratulations on the marriage."
Nate glanced between them.
"You made it work," he said to Franz. "That’s not easy."
Arianne gave him an inquisitive look. Nate ignored it. Franz kept his expression neutral.
Gilbert ended his call and joined them, slipping his phone back into his pocket.
"Thanks for coming, Aria. I would have scheduled this sooner, but I know both of you have had a full plate recently." He gestured toward the couch Julian had vacated.
Julian moved to the bar counter beside Nate.
The dining table behind them had already been set. Plates and serving dishes were arranged neatly, untouched.
Thanks, Gil," Arianne replied, glancing at Julian and Nate.
Franz noticed how easily the room settled once everyone was present. No questions followed. No explanations were required. Dinner waited.
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