The corridor was quiet, dark, and still.
Aidan slowed his steps as he approached the study. Two men were speaking inside, their voices low and measured, the way businessmen spoke when the subject involved money or reputation.
He stopped beside the doorframe, leaning lightly against it, unnoticed.
The faint smell of tea and sandalwood incense drifted through the half-closed door.
Inside, William Zhao sat with a porcelain cup in his hand, slowly swirling the tea as though the motion might calm his irritation.
"I invested money, time, and patience to raise her," he said. "And now that she is finally capable of being profitable, her mother insists we find her a husband."
"That is expected," Evan responded calmly.
William glanced at him sharply.
"She always said she didn't want to marry," he continued. "Now, she agrees. It feels like betrayal." He paused, his fingers tightening slightly around the cup. "Like handing over an asset."
"A good marriage alliance will benefit you more," Evan said, lifting his tea to his lips. "Believe me."
William scoffed softly.
"No good family would accept her."
For a moment, the room fell quiet.
Evan raised his head.
Only then did he notice the figure standing outside the doorway. Aidan's head was lowered slightly, as though he had been studying the floor the entire time.
"You're late," Evan said.
Aidan pushed the door open and stepped inside.
William set his cup down on the wooden table with a soft click and looked him over.
"Oh? The heir is here," he said with mild amusement. "How are you, young man?"
Aidan reached for the small bowl of almonds on the table, grabbing a handful and stuffing them into his mouth.
"I don't think my father has any plan to pass down an inheritance," he said dryly, forcing a laugh he didn't entirely feel. It was safer to sound careless than bitter.
William chuckled.
"Then work hard. I will support you."
Aidan didn't respond.
The two older men soon returned to their discussion as if his presence had become irrelevant again. They spoke about the market, about political tensions that might influence the next financial year, and about shares that would rise or fall depending on the alliances made in the coming months.
Both of them needed a powerful investor.
Someone like the infamous Master Azure.
A man whose backing could provide the protection necessary for their company to expand. Aidan's hand paused for a fraction of a second before he resumed eating.
After several minutes, Aidan straightened.
"I have to be somewhere," he said, preparing to leave.
William looked up.
"Oh? Aidan, can you pick up Raven from the airport?" he asked casually. "Bring her straight to the conference tonight."
Aidan frowned slightly.
"I'm not planning to attend—"
"So, William," Evan interrupted smoothly, turning back toward his partner, "do you plan to join the Shahs? They are reputable."
The two men continued talking as if Aidan had not spoken at all.
Left with little choice, Aidan turned and walked out.