Sr Nightshade sat at the head of the table. Everyone was present.
Dominic approached, but instead of sitting beside Seraphina, he left the seat empty.
Sr Nightshade assumed it was in honor of Selena. He cleared his throat.
"Is the Princess still at the Demaselene Mansion?"
Before he could continue, the impatient Demiska cut in.
"Didn't she take Dimitry in as a disciple? Or was it all talk? It's been two months, and my boy hasn't even seen her face!"
Dominic said nothing. Demiska raised her voice.
"If she's not taking him seriously, why give him hope? Just like her mother—nothing but a bitch."
A fork clattered against the table, thrown with force.
Dominic's eyes locked on her, his aura flaring like a storm.
Danial, unfazed, calmly placed food into his mouth.
"If you've got that many questions, Aunty," he said with a cutting smile, "why not ask Sis directly? Oh, wait—I forgot. Your mouth doesn't work when she's in front of you."
Forrest choked on his food at the sarcasm.
Dimitry kept eating, though disappointment etched across his face. Had she only taken him in name? What had he expected?
Michael spoke next.
"Seraphina hasn't taken over the subsidiary companies she promised. What's going on, Domy?"
Forrest jumped in, seizing the moment.
"And what about her joining CAM? Uncle, I'm not forcing anything—just asking. Spending all her time with Asher won't help her."
The mention of Asher was salt in Dimitry's wound. His grip tightened. Dominic stayed silent as if none of them existed.
Grandpa Nightshade clenched his jaw.
Then came the sound of heels.
Seraphina entered.
"Well, well… it seems you all have way too much free time—enough to obsess over me," she said with a smirk. "Grandpa, I'm guessing that's why your company's running at a loss?"
Asher followed casually behind her.
"Brother Forrest," he said smoothly, "I know you're heartbroken... I meant lonely—but no need to be jealous just because others are in love."
Forrest took the jab in the gut.
Seraphina laughed and took Asher's hand. Together, they walked to the table, fingers interlocked.
Asher pulled out a chair for her and then sat beside her, greeting everyone with a charming smile.
Grandpa Nightshade asked excitedly:
"How are you, champ?"
"The way your granddaughter lets me be," Asher replied with a cheeky grin.
Grandpa laughed heartily while Seraphina rolled her eyes.
Dimitry's eyes scanned Asher up and down. Forrest leaned forward, eager for drama. But Asher smiled, held Seraphina's hand tighter, and blinked innocently.
Forrest choked internally. Was his sister really this tasteful? Why was she collecting all these weirdos? Danger. Real danger.
Dimitry smiled, faking sweetness, and tried to pass some satay.
Seraphina panicked.
"Wait! Asher has a peanut allergy—don't give him that!"
Dimitry's chest tightened. She knew Asher so well. Too well. His smile turned pained, but his voice stayed light.
"Then what should I serve our guest, Sis?"
Asher chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. As the long-time son-in-law of the Nightshade family, I can take care of myself."
He used magic to prepare a plate with Seraphina's preferences, then added some of his own. With a smile, he fed her a bite—and then ate from the same fork.
Dominic grumbled.
"Shameless."
Dimitry kept moving his fork, eyes fixed on the two. They were so casual, so natural. Asher was feeding her as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Danial rolled his eyes.
"Ugh. So much PDA. Ew."
Asher smirked.
"Maybe that's why you will die single."
Forest felt a pang of sympathy for Danial, but then again—who told him to mess with Asher?
Michael interjected.
"Sera, about the subsidiary companies…?"
Seraphina, chewing, replied nonchalantly.
"Uncle, pass everything to Asher. I haven't chosen an assistant yet, and he's handling my schedule temporarily. I need time to plan, so don't change anything beyond ownership."
Asher chimed in smoothly.
"Yeah, Uncle, I'm quite free since I'm following her around. I'll help organize—don't worry."
Dimitry leaned forward, asking:
"But aren't you from Hall? And this is Nightshade business. Why would you handle it?"
Asher's smile faltered. Seraphina answered without looking at anyone.
"Asher and I jointly own all our properties. He owns a magical engineering firm called Seranielle, over which I have 50% control. The same applies to the property I inherited, my patents, and any other assets given to me. So, if you give me anything, he automatically owns half of it. Why is there an issue with him managing these assets?"
Forrest frowned.
"Isn't that a bit too much?"
Seraphina stared directly at him.
"My money. My man. My choice. If you've got a problem, get yourself a lover and a life. Oh, wait—you got dumped, didn't you?"
Forrest gritted his teeth. He hated her so much sometimes.
Asher's grin returned.
Dominic snorted.
"Spoiled… spoiled. One day, your man will give you attitude."
Asher blinked innocently.
"Oh, I see. Spoken from experience, dear father-in-law? You used to do this with Aunty? Thanks for the advice."
Dominic choked.
"This little—"
"Dad," Seraphina warned, glaring.
"Princess… you don't love me anymore…" he grumbled.
Seraphina gave Asher a sharp glance, too, but Asher only smiled, feigning innocence.
The sweetness stabbed Dimitry in the heart. He found it hard to breathe.
Taking advantage of the silence, Seraphina spoke.
"I'm planning to move out. Asher and I grew up in the Demaselene Mansion. For the past four years, I've had my estate, but it's too close to this house. Too close to all this… Nightshade drama."
Dominic frowned.
"You only left the mansion four years ago. Why move back now?"
Asher smirked.
"We have every right to honor Aunt Selena's memory, dear father-in-law."
Seraphina added quietly.
"Don't worry. I've already sent the renovation plans. Our love nest—'Asherphina'—is beside the empty lot near Demaselene. Mom gifted it to us. You remember, right?"
Asher softly repeated the name.
"Asherphina…" His eyes sparkled. Seraphina looked away, trying to hide her shyness, but her ears turned red.
Dominic snorted.
"Yeah, yeah. Do whatever you want."
Michael asked again.
"But why move there?"
Seraphina replied casually.
Asher's tower is closer. Plus, Mom's old magic gates are there."
Asher looked a little embarrassed but happy.
"And we're… comfortable there," Seraphina added.
Forrest asked, eyes gleaming.
"What about your current mansion?"
Seraphina smirked.
"You want it, Brother?"
Forrest smiled shamelessly.
Seraphina and Asher exchanged a mischievous look. Dominic looked away, well aware of their silent exchange.
Well… who doesn't enjoy a little free fun?