The boardroom fell silent the moment Adrian Prescott stepped in.
He didn't greet anyone. He never did.
His gaze swept across the long glass table, stopping briefly on the financial projections displayed on the screen. The numbers were still there. Still wrong.
He placed his tablet on the table.
"Three percent,"
he said calmly.
No one spoke.
Adrian leaned back , eyes moving from one director to the other.
"Three percent!! " he repeated, yelling.
"Explain."
The head of development cleared his throat.
"It's the Crestfall Property project, sir. There was structural damage in the west wing. We had to halt finishing, repair the interior framework, and renegotiate investor payment. That's where the drop came from."
Adrian didn't react.
"Who handled the site?" he asked.
The man hesitated. "Sir—"
"Names."
A few people shifted uncomfortably.
"I want the names of everyone involved,"
Adrian continued.
"From planning to execution."
"Yes sir."
"They'll be punished."
No one asked what that meant. They all knew.
Adrian stood.
"Fix the damage. Resume full operation. I want recovery reports by Monday."
He picked up his tablet.
"And get me the complete list of everyone responsible."
He walked out before anyone replied.
His office was quiet.
Floor to ceiling windows overlooked the city, sunlight cutting across the desk. Adrian dropped the tablet down and loosened his cuff slightly, eyes still on the skyline.
A knock came.
"Come in."
Lily stepped in, holding a sealed envelope. She didn't speak. Just placed it neatly on his desk.
"For you, sir."
Adrian glanced at it. The seal alone told him enough.
Prescott crest.
Of course.
Lily turned to leave.
"Read it."
She paused.
"Sir?"
"The letter."
She picked it up again, broke the seal carefully, unfolded the paper and read aloud, her voice calm and steady.
"Adrian, your presence is requested at the palace this weekend. You are to arrive with the twins. Further matters will be discussed upon your arrival."
Silence.
She folded the letter again and placed it back on the desk.
Adrian leaned back slowly.
"What do they want now…"
he muttered under his breath.
Lily didn't answer.
He tapped his finger once on the desk.
"Clear my calendar next week."
"Yes sir."
"Call the pilot. We leave tomorrow."
She nodded.
"Notify Julian and Lila's school. They won't be around for the week."
"Alright."
"And send me the list from the Crestfall project. Everyone involved."
"I'll handle it."
She turned to leave.
Then paused again.
"There's nothing scheduled for the rest of today," she said gently.
"It's Friday. It's already 1:00 PM."
Adrian looked up.
"You could pick the twins yourself," she added.
"They'll be happy."
He stared at her for a moment, thinking.
Then he stood.
"I'll go."
Lily gave a small nod and stepped out smiling.
The school gate was crowded.
Students poured out in groups, laughter filling the air. Adrian stood beside his car, hands in his pockets, watching quietly.
Then—
"Dad!"
Lila ran straight toward him, bag bouncing behind her. She threw her arms around him and he caught her easily, a smile breaking through his otherwise composed face.
"You're early," she said excitedly.
"I finished work," he replied.
Julian walked over seconds later, calmer as always.
"Look who came to pick us up today," he said, surprised.
Adrian scoffed.
"Get in."
They slid into the car, Lila still buzzing with energy.
"Did something happen?" she asked.
"The school office said we won't be around next week."
Julian looked over.
"Yeah. They told us we'll be excused."
Adrian started the engine.
"Your grandparents want to see you."
Lila gasped.
"We're going to the palace?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
She turned dramatically to Julian.
"I have so much to pack."
Julian sighed.
"You always pack too much."
"It's a week!"
"You don't need six bags for a week."
"It's called options."
Adrian said nothing, eyes on the road.
After minutes of driving and chattering,
Lila suddenly leaned forward.
"Wait — stop at the supermarket."
"No."
"Dad—"
"I know what that means."
"I need things."
"You mean sweets."
"That too," she admitted.
"But not only sweets."
Julian chuckled.
"Dad, we should let her get her "girl" stuff, else we won't have peace"
Adrian glanced at him.
"And a few snacks won't hurt," Julian added casually.
Adrian exhaled slowly.
"You have five minutes."
Lila beamed.
"Best dad ever."
He pulled into the supermarket parking lot.
The twins grabbed his card and jumped out, already arguing about what to get.
Adrian leaned back in his seat.
His phone rang.
Lily.
"Yes? "
"I was wondering if you need help packing for the kids?" she asked.
"I'll ask them."
"Alright."
He ended the call.
Outside, he watched the twins through the glass entrance as they disappeared into the store.
His gaze drifted.
The Prescott palace.
A sudden request.
Bring the children.
He leaned back, eyes narrowing.
"What exactly do they want this time…"