Alexander led Adrian into the sunlit conservatory. The moment they stepped in, the murmuring conversation between Mrs. Devereux, Agatha, Sebastian, and Natalie ceased.
Natalie was Sebastian's cousin.
"Ah, here they are!" Mrs. Devereux beamed, her eyes sparkling with mischievous intent. "Sebastian, darling, is this the person you've been telling us about? Mr. Adrian Cole, Alexander's most valuable asset."
Sebastian's reaction was immediate. His face lit up with genuine, unmasked pleasure. He stood instantly, offering a hand to Adrian. "It's a pleasure to see you again Adrian."
Adrian felt a suffocating pressure under Alexander's gaze. He quickly slipped his hand into Alexander's grasp, but Alexander's arm remained stiff, refusing to acknowledge the friendly gesture.
"Mr. Cole is currently off the clock, Sebastian," Alexander cut in, his voice polite but ice-cold, stepping slightly in front of Adrian. "He's here only at my mother's insistence."
