On Wednesday, Ruediger picked Lariette up from school as usual around three. Then, they headed to Chairman Delaney's residence around six in the evening.
By the time they arrived, Declan and Rafael were already there. They were also present for tonight's discussion.
Or to be exact, to know what her decision might be.
Everyone gathered for an early dinner. What filled the dining room was the chatter of everyday life instead of the issue that would be brought up later. Then, they retreated to the elderly man's study.
The study smelled faintly of sandalwood and old paper. A thin layer of frost coated the windows, blurring the night outside.
The air was heavy, thickened by unspoken pressure. The butler left after serving them tea.
Lariette sat on the couch beside Ruediger. Across from them were Declan and Rafael, while Chairman Delaney sat on the single couch between them. The warmth of the heater kept the wintry cold out of the study.
