bChapter /bb190 /b

Edith’s phone buzzed with a courier’s call.

She had made sure to ask the delivery driver to wait outside the garden gate, slipping out quietly while Justin was in the shower.

By the time Justin emerged, fresh from his bath and impably dressed in a pressed suit, the house was already filled with the aroma of breakfast. Several important meetings were scheduled at the firm today, and Latonia had set the table.

Justin sat down at the dining table, ncing around in mild confusion. “Where’s Mrs. Hawksley?”

Latonia suppressed a smile. The young master really was smitten with his wife. Other people might call her Mrs. Hawksley out of habit, but with Justin, it was as if he was reminding the whole world whose wife she was–never missing a chance to use her married name.

“She said she had a package to pick up. She went to the gate–should be back any moment now,” Latonia replied.

Justin frowned slightly. “What kind of package is so important she has to fetch it

herself?”

Latonia shrugged. “No idea. She seemed in a hurry, though, so I guess it matters.”

Through the dining room’s floor–to–ceiling windows, Justin caught sight of Edith returning, clutching a parcel and looking rather secretive. He was just about to call out to her, but Edith kept her head down and headed straight for the spiral staircase.

He let his greeting die on his lips.

Latonia watched Edith’s mysterious behavior, her curiosity getting the better of her. “I wonder what she picked up?”

Justin’s brow furrowed. “Mrs. Hawksley is entitled to her privacy.”

Just then, his phone lit up with an iing call. The name “Stein” appeared on the

screen,

A knowing smile yed on Justin’s lips as he answered. “Stein–it’s been a while since you called.”

Stein’s voice was light and teasing. “Hey, I handled that thing you asked me to. Don’t worry, not a single photo of Mrs. Hawksley’s face.”

16:41

Justin smiled, satisfied. “Good work.”

Steinughed. “When a benefactor asks, I get things done. No exceptions!”

His thoughts flickered back to the days after he’d just graduated from Northcrest University. He’d been offered a fellowship in Italy but hadn’t had the money to take it. It was Justin who had found him, arranging for the Hawksley Charitable Trust to cover all his expenses abroad.

At the time, Stein thought Justin was just another wealthy patron buying a good reputation. But he soon realized Justin genuinely admired his talent. When Stein returned from Italy and started making a name for himself in the art world back home, he owed much of his sess to Justin’s early support. Back then, some old–guard artists had mocked his work as overhyped and overpriced, saying he’d never amount to anything. Justin had silenced them by purchasing one of his paintings for a seven–figure sum.

Now, people liked to say Stein’s career was built on the backing of the Hawksley Group. Compared to what Justin had done for him, this small favor was nothing at all.

Watching Edith descend the spiral staircase, Justin let out a quietugh as he replied to Stein, “For God’s sake, stop calling me your benefactor. If Edith overhears, she’ll think I’m up ito /isomething shady.”

Stein burst outughing. “All right, all right. But you know, you never did invite me to your wedding. Maybe I’m just getting my revenge. Unless, of course, you introduce me to Mrs. Hawksley over dinner sometime–then I’ll stop teasing.”

Edith took her seat, eyeing thevish breakfast and quietly nudging Justin. “Eat up–it’s getting cold.”

Justin shifted his phone aside and turned to her, “Edith, Stein wants to know when you’ll be free–he’s insisting I introduce you two.”