Chapter 95 Silver Carvings
Sir Levi seemed to be buying Ethan's explanation. He gave a slow nod, his expression softening as though he understood all too well. "Max trained you to think only of business, Ethan," he said with a knowing sigh, "but you must not forget, family is as important as empire. Both must be nurtured if you want them to last."
His uncles murmured in agreement, each adding a few quiet affirmations, their voices layering the weight of expectation over him. To them, it was simple wisdom passed from one generation to the next.
Ethan let a small, composed smile touch his lips. "I hear you," he replied warmly. "I'll put as much focus on my family as I have on this company."
Ethan leaned back slightly, allowing his features to soften. "I admit," he said, his voice carrying the right note of humility, "I've been carried away by the weight of the company. It's easy to forget there are other duties just as important. I thank you, for coming here today, and for reminding me of my responsibilities as both a husband and, in time, a father."
His uncles exchanged satisfied glances, their earlier tension giving way to quiet approval. To them, Ethan's words were the mark of a man not only capable of leading but of listening.
Sir Levi's stern face broke into a smile, and with a deep, hearty laugh he leaned forward. "I knew you were a smart boy, Ethan," he said with unmistakable pride.
The room filled briefly with the sound of his laughter, and the weight of the conversation seemed to ease. For the first time that afternoon, the air felt lighter, even if inside Ethan, the storm had only just begun.
Lena woke feeling lighter than she had in days, as though the city itself had wrapped her in quiet comfort. The bed was so soft it seemed to hug her, and for once she didn't wake with an ache in her body or a worry on her mind. Paris had given her a full night's rest, and she let herself sink into that thought for a moment before finally stretching and sitting up.
The room was quiet. Too quiet. She glanced around and quickly realized Margarete and Sophie were gone. Their things were in place, the beds neatly made, but there was no trace of them.
Her eyes drifted toward the long table near the window, and she froze.
It was covered from end to end with food, so much food she almost wondered if it had been delivered to the wrong room. Gleaming fruits spilled out of silver bowls, bright oranges, grapes, and berries that looked like little jewels, delicate pastries layered with cream and fruit glazes. There were tiny jars of jam, honey in glass that caught the morning light, and pitchers of juices in colors she had never seen before.
The smell of butter and coffee floated through the air, warm and inviting.
Lena blinked, then laughed softly under her breath. She had gotten used to Sinclair dinners, lavish and overwhelming in their own way, but this... this was just breakfast..
The sound of the door opening spooked Lena a bit. Margarete and Sophie walked in dressed in joggers and trainers. Lena blinked in surprise, she hadn't expected to see them in such casual outfits.
Sophie greeted Lena in her usual cheerful manner, while Lena and Margarete exchanged a polite greeting.
Margarete's gaze lingered on her, a hint of concern in her tone.
"How are you fairing, dear? I know it was quite a long journey, you're probably not used to it."
Lena gave a small smile, brushing it off. "I'm alright, thank you."
Sophie slumped onto the bed with an exhausted sigh. "We just came back from Mums usual morning walk. I was going to ask you to come along, but you looked sound asleep."
Lena chuckled lightly. "It's great you didn't invite me, I was really enjoying my sleep."
Margarete laughed softly, a warm glimmer in her eyes. "That's exactly why I always use this hotel whenever I'm in Paris. Their beds are just too soft."
Margarete rose from her seat and drifted toward the table where trays of fruit and breakfast dishes had been laid out. She scanned them with practiced ease, lifting the lids one after another as though she were inspecting jewels.
Sophie turned her head, watching her with a small frown. "Honestly, mum, you ordered too much again. You know what will happen, you'll take one bite and then forget the rest of the breakfast."
Margarete arched her brow but didn't look offended. "I love having options, Sophie. Seeing food displayed like this is the only thing that can give me an appetite."
Sophie sighed dramatically, flopping back on the bed. "You and your appetite excuses. One day I'll make you order like a normal person."
Margarete chuckled, selecting a grape and popping it into her mouth before turning back to Lena with an almost conspiratorial smile.
Lena smiled back at Margarete, who plucked another grape from the tray and said warmly, "I'm glad you had a good night's rest, dear. We have a long day ahead."
She set the grape aside and added with a playful lilt, "Our first stop is the spa. Your skin needs a bit of pampering before you start shopping."
Sophie grinned in agreement, already reaching for a slice of melon.
The trio enjoyed their breakfast together, chatting lightly between bites. Afterwards, they each took their showers and dressed, then headed out for their spa appointment.
The spa was tucked into a quiet wing of the hotel, its interior filled with the soft scent of lavender and eucalyptus. Gentle music drifted through the air, blending with the sound of running water.
The moment they stepped in, two attendants at the front desk straightened, their faces lighting up with familiarity.
"Madame Margarete, welcome back," one of them said warmly, bowing her head slightly. "It is always a pleasure to have you with us."
Margarete's lips curved in a graceful smile as she returned the greeting, her tone effortlessly polished. "Thank you. I trust you've kept everything as impeccable as always."
"Of course," the attendant replied quickly. "Your private suite is prepared."
As they were ushered into a private room, Sophie let out a sigh of relief. "Finally. My legs are still sore from that walk, Margarete. Next time, we're taking a cab."
Margarete smirked, slipping into the robe handed to her. "Nonsense. A walk is good for the body and clears the mind. You'll thank me when you're older."
Lena chuckled softly, adjusting her robe. "I think I'll thank you now, for bringing me here. This place feels like heaven already."
A therapist led Lena to a cushioned table, and as warm oils touched her skin, she felt the tension of the past days melting away. Margarete glanced over from her own spot, smiling approvingly.
"See? I told you. Every woman needs to be pampered once in a while."
Sophie tilted her head on the headrest, her voice muffled. "Especially before a full day of shopping. You'll need strength, Lena."
The three of them laughed, their voices blending with the spa's soft music, as the morning slipped into a haze of comfort and indulgence.