June's twilight casts a golden hue and the dusk settles over New York City, wrapping its skyscrapers in a warm embrace. The city is as busy as always.
The hustle of the city was a distant hum as a sleek black Rolls Royce glided to a stop in front of a majestic European-style villa.
The car door opened with a soft creak, and Cain De Lavigne emerged, his tailored black suit hugging his well-built frame perfectly. His expression was indifferent, his steps measured and unhurried as he approached the grand entrance.
Inside the villa, the world felt different. A young woman, Sadie Sturgis, is sitting on a large luxurious black couch, hugging a bag of snacks. Her laughter filled the room, sweet and carefree, as she watched an animated show on the large TV.
Her eyes, sparkling like black grapes, were glued to the screen, a blush gracing her delicate face, and clarity filled her distinctly black and white pupils. So engrossed was she in the show that she didn't hear the approaching footsteps.
Cain's entrance was silent but commanding. His gaze swept the room before settling on the housekeeper, who trembled under his stare. "Turn off the TV," he ordered, his voice a cold whisper.
"Y-Yes, Mr. De Lavigne, " the housekeeper nods and hastily turns off the TV.
Sadie jolted from her fantasy and turned her wide eyes toward the man now standing in the room. She scrambled to her feet, the snacks scattering across the couch. "Cain! So, you're back," Sadie looks at him, her soft cheeks blushing slightly. Noticing Cain De Lavigne's displeasure, she hurriedly tried to gather the crumbs as her embarrassment was palpable.
"That's Sir Cain for you, Sadie Sturgis," the man with furrowed look said with emphasis.
"What's that, Cain? Sorry, I couldn't hear what you said," the woman answered in sarcasm.
Cain watches Sadie's actions, maintaining his usual ice-cold demeanor.
"I'm sorry, Cain, I didn't do it on purpose," she looks at the man and gives him a little smile, her innocent face still bearing a touch of innocence.
"Who permitted you to eat snacks here?" Cain asked, his voice sharp. Her face still carried a trace of childishness, a spark of impatience flickering in his eyes.
"But you said we should feel at home here, just like with Grandpa," Sadie replied, her voice almost in a whisper. "At home, Grandpa allows this kind of behavior."
"This is not your grandfather's house," Cain's patience wore thin as he remained speechless for the woman's unreasonableness. "I didn't realize basic manners needed to be explained to you," he said coldly.
"Look, Cain, I didn't know you forbid this kind of behavior here. I get it. If you don't like it, then I won't do it again. It's just that easy, right?" the late realization on Sadie's fair little face brought forth a panicky feeling, her hands clutching tightly onto the snack bag.
"Is this how you behave at home?" Cain's tone grew harsher.
Sadie nodded in an instant, confusion clouding her large, clear eyes. Cain felt a wave of contempt. Sadie Sturgis is from a prestigious and well-known family — the Sturgis Group. Was she truly as naive as she seemed, or was it all an act?
People often say that the woman adopted by the Sturgis family was simple-minded. But Cain De Lavigne wasn't convinced. Her behavior felt too calculated, too deliberate—almost as if she was doing it on purpose to get his attention.
He squinted at her and started speaking lightly, "Tomorrow, you will go to the hospital with the butler to see if there is any truth to what people claim."
"Do I really have to go to the hospital?" Sadie asked, looking at Cain De Lavigne, slightly biting her lower lip out of embarrassment. She patted her head, a gesture of uncertainty, "I can assure you, Sir Cain, there's nothing wrong here," she then smiled playfully.
"You will go and that's an order," Cain insisted, his icy gaze locked onto hers, reflecting her large grape-like eyes.
Sadie saw her own eyes mirroring in his cold stare and gave him a sheepish smile. "But Sir Cain, you promised Grandpa you'd accompany me wherever I go. So, does that mean you'll go with me?"
"Why is this woman smiling? Really, at this time?" Cain asked himself in disbelief.
She could still manage to smile at times like this.
Cain De Lavigne pulled back his gaze, his patience wearing thinner, "I don't have time tomorrow."
"But…"
"No buts. I have an important conference tomorrow. Done. Brewster will take you to the hospital," Cain commanded with such an authority.
"If you're not coming, then what are you going to do? What if they'll be needing you at the hospital?"
"That's not possible. I had the butler took care of it," he replied thriftily.
"But what if your absence will delay the --" she insisted, but Cain stopped her.
His eyes were still as cold as ice and there was no expression on his face. "Look, I have other matters to attend to. There's also no need to wait for me at dinner. And no more snacks in the living room. It's filthy."
"Oh, sorry. I understand," Sadie nodded, rubbing her nose as her wide black eyes darted around the room, absorbing his words.