"Second Young Master, how was your trip overseas?" Butler Rupert asked with a warm smile.
The tension in the living hall eased—just a little. But the moment Ivy and Aaron let go of their hands, the staring contest resumed like it had never paused.
Butler Rupert hesitated.
He had always known Aaron to be charming, someone whose easygoing nature won people over instantly. Even his patients adored him enough to actually show up for follow-ups on time, which was nothing short of a miracle.
But this? This cold hostility toward the future lady of the house was highly concerning.
Sensing the rising tension again, Butler Rupert quickly stepped in.
Aaron, who had been staring Ivy down like she was a medical mystery he refused to misdiagnose, blinked and turned to him. Instantly, his usual bright smile slipped back into place, eyes softening as if he hadn't just been mentally declaring war.
"It was nice," Aaron said smoothly. "I didn't realize how much I needed a break."
