Blake Ancestral Estate — The Day Before the Gala
The Blake ancestral estate stood like a monument to centuries of wealth and power — silent, sprawling, and cold. Ivy crawled up its stone walls like time refusing to let go. Iron gates creaked open with slow elegance, revealing a manicured path that split through towering hedges and marble statues.
The black car eased to a stop before the grand steps of the estate. A butler in a dark suit opened the door, but Adrian didn't wait. He stepped out — tall and composed — a tailored coat draped across his shoulders like armor.
The manor loomed before him, all shadowed stone and watchful silence. He had been summoned here by Elias from his business meeting.
And Elias Blake didn't summon unless it was important.
Adrian entered.
