The Wuchen estate swallows me whole.
Bael parks in a circular drive in front of massive double doors. Before I can reach for my suitcase, a staff member appears and takes both bags from the trunk.
"This way, Young Master Li," the man says with professional courtesy.
Young Master Li.
Not Runze, not even Mr. Li.
Already being fitted into my new role.
I follow him inside while Bael walks ahead without looking back. Grandmother Wuchen enters beside me, heels clicking sharp against marble.
The entrance hall is enormous. Marble floors, a chandelier that probably costs more than my parents' house, dual staircases curving up to the second floor. Everything is pristine and cold and beautiful in a way that feels completely lifeless.
Grandmother Wuchen gestures toward a formal sitting room off to the left.
"Come."
Not a request.
I follow her into the room, Bael doesn't join us…he's already disappeared down a hallway, footsteps fading into silence.
