The soft chime of the private express elevator echoed through the penthouse at precisely seven o'clock.
Catherine stood near the long kitchen island, automatically smoothing down the fabric of her cream knit sweater. She had changed out of her daytime attire, opting for something simpler, but her hands were still slightly cold. Beside her, Jake stood pouring a fresh glass of water, his posture entirely relaxed, while Aliya was already bouncing toward the foyer, her phone safely tucked away for once.
The heavy double doors of the elevator slid open to reveal Martha and Ryan Rivers. Martha was carrying a small, foil-wrapped dish of home-baked lemon bars, while Ryan stepped out behind her, adjusting the collar of his casual jacket as he took in the soaring glass ceilings and the panoramic views of the Veyra coastline.
