The waiter slid the door of the private dining room closed behind him, leaving the four of them in a quiet, softly lit space.
The room was elegant and comfortable. A round table stood beneath a small chandelier, its warm light reflecting off crystal glasses and polished silverware. A tall arrangement of white lilies sat in the center, their faint fragrance filling the room.
John sat across from Elena, looking slightly surprised but pleased.
"I didn't expect to run into you here, Uncle Reginald," he said with an easy smile.
Reginald chuckled as he unfolded his napkin. "Nor did we expect to see you here, John."
Evelyn added warmly, "It's been far too long since we've properly spoken."
John nodded. "That's true, Aunt Evelyn. Father keeps mentioning that we should visit the estate again."
"We would like that very much," Evelyn said.
The waiter arrived quietly to pour wine before slipping out again, closing the door behind him.
Reginald leaned back slightly in his chair.
