"But I—"
Before Ava could finish, the deep chime of the grandfather clock echoed through the mansion.
She instinctively glanced toward the grand hallway, watching the pendulum sway back and forth.
Alexander looked at her calmly.
"It's time for dinner. I trust you'll join us shortly."
He paused before adding,
"I prefer telling my own stories rather than having someone dig through them before the right time."
Ava hesitated before giving a small nod.
"I understand."
Alexander walked away without another word, his footsteps fading into the silence until only his shadow remained.
Ava let out a long breath.
"Why does he always speak in riddles?" she muttered. "Every conversation with him feels like walking through a minefield."
She returned to the guest room.
A neatly folded set of cream-colored pajamas had already been placed on the dressing table.
"I could've taken them out myself..."
Shaking her head, she stepped into the bathroom.
The cool water from the shower gradually washed away some of the tension that had built throughout the day.
After changing into the soft floral pajamas, she tied her damp hair into a loose bun and left the room.
The dining hall was already prepared.
Ava forced herself to smile as she entered.
The expression disappeared almost immediately.
The room felt unnaturally cold.
Not because of the temperature...
Because of the silence.
One of the maids politely pulled out a chair for her.
"Thank you."
She sat down awkwardly while another maid began serving dinner.
The table was filled with beautifully prepared dishes, yet the atmosphere made every bite feel heavy.
She had barely eaten half her meal when she noticed everyone had stopped.
Every pair of eyes was fixed on her.
Confused, Ava looked around.
Without a word, the maids finished serving Alexander's plate.
Everyone gently lowered their heads.
They folded their hands and silently offered a prayer.
Only then did they begin eating.
Alexander calmly lifted his gaze toward Ava.
"This house has its own traditions," he said.
"It may take some time before you understand them."
Ava offered an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize."
She quietly resumed eating.
The rest of the meal passed in complete silence.
No conversation.
No laughter.
Only the faint clink of cutlery against porcelain echoed through the enormous dining room.
Back inside her room, Ava immediately locked the door and called Jane.
"This place is... strange," she whispered.
"It feels suffocating. Everything is controlled. Every movement. Every conversation."
She sighed.
"I just want this interview to end."
Jane's reassuring voice came through the phone.
"It'll probably take a little time to adjust. He's known for being a perfectionist. Just stay focused and finish the interview."
"I hope you're right."
After ending the call, Ava placed the phone beside her bed, unaware that she wasn't as alone as she believed.
Hidden behind a wall of surveillance monitors, Alexander Rhea watched every movement inside the guest room.
Her conversation echoed softly through the speakers.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Soon..."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"You're already inside my territory."
"I'll decide when you leave."