the last ones

Mary ,who didn't feel sleepy,ask a servant for a cup of coffee for Alexander,she then stroll gentle Alexander's study.

As she approached the door, she noticed it was slightly ajar. She knocked softly,"Alex?" Mary called out softly,Alexander looked up from his work.

"Come in," he said, his voice deep and smooth.

Mary walked into Alexander's study, a cup of coffee in her hand. "Hey, bro," she said, setting the cup down on his desk. She looked at Alex for a while , thinking what has made worked tirelessly all day since he came back on the first day he resumed office.

"Mom wanted me to talk to you about something." Mary took her seat opposite him.

Alexander looked up from his work, his eyes squinting slightly. "And that is?"

"It's about Lily,they worry you aren't being attentive to yourself see how workaholics you've become" Mary said. "Mom and Dad were thinking of inviting her parents over for dinner to discuss...well, you know."

Alexander's expression turned skeptical. "You mean about marrying me off to her?"

Mary nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Yeah, something like that. Mom thinks it's time for you to settle down, and Lily seems like a nice girl."

Alexander sighed, rubbing his temples. "I don't know, Mary. I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of commitment."

Mary leaned forward, her voice as soft as an angel's "Honestly, Alex, I think Mom and Dad are just trying to push you into this because they want to see you happy.Alex I too want to see your happy, you're young and vibrant , nurturing a life with Lily is going to be a great step think about it Alex, Yes there's a lot of work at hand but what will become of it if there's heir to it."

Alexander looked at her thoughtfully, considering her words. Maybe Mary was right. Maybe he did neded a life supporter.

Mary touched his hand affectionately "Alex, you can also make your decisions " withdrawing her hands she stood up.

"I'll be leaving the redwoods tomorrow in the afternoon, I have a lot of working pending in my name, don't forget to sleep " with that Mary walked out quietly.

As Alexander pondered his sister's words, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had always been driven to succeed in business, but the idea of marriage and family was something he hadn't really considered.

Although Lily's image poops in once in a while.

Mary's words lingered in his mind, and he found himself wondering if he was truly ready to settle down. He thought about Lily, and how their paths had crossed recently. She seemed like a nice person, but he didn't know her well enough to consider her as a potential partner.

Just then, his phone buzzed with an incoming message from one of his associates. Alexander's mind shifted back to work mode as he read through the message and responded accordingly.

Meanwhile, at the other part of redwoods estate ,in the servant's quarter.

The maid had been given the bottle during the time of the party, was looking at it , it has been days since she was given this bottle plus she was promised a reward. It was small and intricately designed, with a strange symbol etched onto the side. She had no idea what the contents were or what they were for, but she had been instructed to use it in a specific way.

The maid's mind was filled with questions and doubts. Who was this person, and what did they want from her? Why had they given her this mysterious bottle?

In deep thoughts,her phone buzzed ,it was an unknown number ,she hesitated for a while before she answered it.

"H-Hello?" The maid called out having a scary thought

"Have you done what was asked of you." a sharp feminine voice rang out,voice filled with danger.

The maid felt a chill running through her spine ,she didn't know what to answer,she waited for long but the voice at the other end was impatient.

"I simply don't like my time wasted or I'll chop down your head"

Beads of sweat slide down her face ,she was being threatened "I- I'm sorry I don't know what to make of it"

The voice chuckled "you've being told what to do ,do it put in your master's food or water, DO NOT WASTE MY TIME" with that the called ended.

The maid was traumatized then thought of the reward promised to her.

At Bruce's mansion:

Its being weeks since Flora and Bruce talked, they have been in bad terms since that day, and Flora herself have being very careful.

Bruce have been doing his business, and surprising not disturbing her , although she enjoys her free time ,she believes it was for the meantime.

As Flora lay in bed, then recieved a call from the butler saying Bruce wants to have meal with her,she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Bruce's violent outburst had left her shaken. She wondered if she was safe with him. Despite her doubts, she still dress up because if she didn't she'll be dead.

Flora walked elegantly across the hall to the dinner hall,she tried to dropped the fact that she was dressed almost half naked ,the last time she wore a covered gown , Bruce nearly killed her.

Getting to the hall ,she saw Bruce sitting at the head ,he didn't even raised his head as usual or give her a smirk ,he just ate his food quietly.

Flora went to his side where she usually sits but realized how tense the atmosphere was around Alex.

Flora tried to act normal as she tried to strike conversations with him , though Bruce is a dangerous and trouble making man , he's still fun to be with but Bruce seemed distant, eating his food quietly,he wasn't in the mood for anything. But he did put some vegetables on her plate, which made Flora surprised of his behavior.

She continued eating quietly until Bruce broke the silent .

"I have a meeting with some business associates," Bruce said, getting ready to leave. "I'll be back later."

Flora nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. She watched him leave, she could help but feel how lonely he is.

As Flora was scolding herself about how disgusting she is to think bruce was lonely she received a mysterious message.

" Meet me at the old café at 5 pm."