CHAPTER 51: DINNER

The group enters the dining room, chatting lightly.

Theo steps out of his room just as they arrive and quietly slips in behind them, unnoticed.

"Please, take a seat. I’ve taken the liberty of arranging the seats—I hope that’s alright," Leila says warmly, gesturing to the table.

Small name cards in elegant calligraphy mark each place. The guests smile as they look for their names, turning it into a light-hearted little game.

Maurice and Leila stand behind their chairs at the heads of the table, waiting until everyone finds their place.

Miranda finds hers first. She squeals in delight when she sees that she’s sitting at Leila’s right side. Standing behind her chair, she glances around to see if the others have found their seats. Her eyes light up when she spots Theo at the entrance. She’d hoped Theo wouldn’t be too tired to join them, and her wish has come true. Her smile widens.

Linus waits until Miranda finds her seat before moving. When she does, his eyes warm with quiet appreciation. The arrangement is thoughtful, respectful, the perfect setting for tonight’s dinner. He immediately knows where his place is: at Maurice’s right. Heading there, he discovers he’s guessed correctly. Turning to Miranda, he smiles, then notices Theo. Inwardly, he’s relieved. His wife’s wish has come true; she’ll be content and happy. It’ll make leaving her tomorrow a little easier.

Liam feels a bit awkward with the whole "seating game." It seems unnecessary to him, though his parents appear genuinely pleased. He quickly searches for his name card and finds it at Maurice’s left side, directly opposite Linus. He’s taken slightly aback. His position is the second-highest honor at the table. He looks to his father first, then to Maurice, then back again, missing the white-haired young woman standing at the entrance.

Claudia is excited too. She finds her seat and notices that Theo’s is at her right. She stands behind her chair.

Maurice sees that everyone has found their seats, everyone except his own children. Arthur and Julian haven’t arrived yet, and Thea is still standing by the entrance.

His smile widens. "Thea! I’m glad you could join us. I hope you’re not forcing yourself."

At his words, every head turns.

Miranda quickly steps forward and links her arm through Theo’s. "I’m so glad you can join us, Thea. You’re not forcing yourself, are you?" she asks with concern.

Theo shakes his head lightly. "No, Aunt Miranda. I’ve been sleeping for three days straight. I think I’ve had enough rest." He laughs crisply.

Claudia joins them, looping her arm through Theo’s other arm. "Come on, you’re sitting next to me." Then she leans closer, whispering just loud enough for her mother to hear, "And next to Liam."

Miranda gasps softly, leaning toward Claudia across Theo’s chest. "Really? That’s perfect!" she whispers conspiratorially. Claudia nods.

Theo laughs.

That sound, bright, warm, unguarded, catches Liam’s attention. He has been watching Theo when Maurice notices him, and now when the white-haired young woman laughs, her whole face lit with life. The sight strikes him deep. His breath hitches.

Beautiful, is his only thought.

Then he feels it, a sharp, cutting stare.

He lifts his gaze and meets a pair of piercing blue eyes fixed on him. Cold. Warning.

Arthur has just arrived.

Liam rolls his eyes but backs down.

Arthur enters the dining room, apologizing. "I’m sorry I’m late. Father, Mother. Uncle Linus, Aunt Miranda. Liam, Claudia. Welcome," he greets them warmly.

Leila looks behind him, half expecting to see Julian. When she doesn’t, she asks Arthur.

"Ah, he’s coming, Mother. He’s already on his way." As Arthur explains, they hear hasty footsteps approaching.

They hear his voice before seeing him. "I am sorry, everyone! I failed to notice the time!" Then Julian shows up, panting but smiling. He enters the dining room, greeting everyone, though his smile falters a little when his eyes meet Theo’s.

He quickly finds his seat, between Linus and Arthur.

Leila smiles. "Please, take your seats. Let’s not delay dinner any longer."

Everyone sits down.

Once seated, Miranda quips, "Lei, I’m so sorry for forcing you to prepare dinner for us with only a few hours’ notice."

Leila shakes her head, but before she can reply, Linus says, "The fault is mine, Leila. I have to leave tomorrow morning, and I know Miranda has been waiting for this, so I could only trouble you."

Leila laughs. "No trouble at all. I’m more than happy to be troubled by you, but really, this is no trouble."

Then the dishes are brought out by Ben and a few maids.

The Montroses and the Monforts begin to dine, chatting lightly.

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During the entire meal, Julian has rarely met Theo’s eyes. Theo can’t help but notice and frowns a little, but he has no time to think about it since Claudia keeps talking to him. Every time he speaks, he can feel Liam’s gaze.

Liam is having trouble concentrating on his meal. He has never seen Theo up close before, and now he can’t shake the feeling of familiarity, though for the life of him, he can’t pinpoint where he’s seen her. He’s sure he’d remember meeting a white-haired, stunning young woman like her.

He often steals glances at Theo, which are caught by Miranda, Leila, and Arthur.

Arthur can’t do much about it or glare too openly, since Maurice keeps talking to Linus and drawing him into conversation. Linus, however, notices Arthur’s cold gaze toward his son and inwardly agrees with it. He appreciates Arthur’s protectiveness toward his little sister.

Finally, the dishes are cleared, and now they’re enjoying dessert.

"I’ve got to say, Lei, I’m really glad I’m leaving Arvion tomorrow. If I stay and you keep feeding me like this, I’ll turn into a giant pig!" Miranda says, putting her lemon meringue into her mouth.

"You’re leaving too?" Leila asks. Linus looks at his wife, surprised. This is the first time he’s hearing it. He’d thought he would leave her here. He scoops a spoonful of blue cheese soufflé. Tonight’s meal has completely surprised him; every dish, even the desserts, is exactly to his taste. He can’t help but applaud Leila inwardly.

Miranda nods. "My husband is going back, and I’m going back with him. I’ve missed him too much." She winks playfully at Linus, who only smiles faintly.

Claudia giggles. She’s long used to her mother’s antics. She leans toward Theo. "She’s always like this." She’s enjoying her blueberry cheesecake immensely.

"But Mom, I want to stay in Arvion. Aunt Leila’s meals are yum yum," Claudia teases.

Miranda squints at her daughter. "Careful. You’ll gain weight without realizing it."

"Mom! Don’t jinx me!" Claudia protests playfully. "Look at Thea! She’s been eating Aunt Leila’s food and she’s still so skinny!"

"Well, Thea got her good genes from me, that’s obvious!" Leila jokes, earning a few chuckles around the table. Then she looks at Theo proudly. "Also, Thea has been very diligent with her physical exercises. She trains non-stop."

Maurice nods in confirmation. He has been conversing with Linus and Arthur throughout the meal and is surprised to find that he actually enjoys talking casually to Linus Monfort.

Theo puts his dessert spoon down, smiles lightly, and without looking up says casually, "And because I’ve trained non-stop, I’d like to think that that saved me in the dungeon."

At the mention of the recent dungeon, the room’s atmosphere shifts.

Theo can feel it. Inwardly, he smirks. Here we go.