Claimed by the Hartfords

eetings with Alexander and Nico, she needed a breather, some time to let her mind unwind and process everything. She marveled

benches and hedges shaped like winding mazes. She almost gasped in delight, this hidden spot felt like

book. He was dressed casually, yet there was an air of quiet sophistication to him. His face was partially hidd

tep back, but as she did, her shoe crunche

quickly. "I didn't

o apologize," he replied, his voice soft but rich with a hint of humor. "It's

tiful, but... intimidating. Like everything here,"

im on the bench. "It's easy to get lost here, figuratively and lit

, sitting down at the far end of the benc

flicker of intrigue, "you're the n

eyebrows. "You

ips twitched into a half-smile. "Plus,

o feel out of place. I've only been here a day, but it's already

quiet warmth mixed with a mystery that Elena couldn't quite place. "Interesting?

of kinship. "Exactly! I mean, Alexander? He's all business, no-nonsen

of amusement in his gaze. "Oh? So you

sidering him. "You sound

aning back. "But enough about them. What about you?

Hartford sought me out, and I couldn't say no. The project is a dream for someone in my

ed, his eyes kin

voice. "There's a strange pressure when you're trying to impress someone and not overstep any invisi

and he nodded knowingly

a. Elena

braver than you think, and perhaps a bit more hon

d too much. But before she could apolog

"It was a pleasure, Ms. Winters. Enjoy the g

ing look, and disappeared into the maze of hedges, leaving

-----

he dining room, adorned with gleaming silverware, crystal goblets, and a centerpiece of fresh flowe

r entered first, as punctual and composed as ever. He offered her a curt nod before taking his seat at the head

sense of suspense hanging in the air. She had almost forgotten a

al but unmistakably respectful, "

he dim lighting, the easy going demeanor replaced by something colder, more guarded. He gave Alexander a nod, then took

ith embarrassment. Damien. She had unknowingly been s

ly. "Elena, I don't believe you and Damien have been formally introduced," he

was a hint of something else there, something that made her stomac

, his brow furrowing slightly

ly crossed paths in the garden," she said, feeling the weight

ual haunts. If you wander out there at night, you're likely to find him with his

h a hint of a smirk played on his lips. "I'm not the onl

She felt like she was suddenly part of a game she didn't u

firmly, though there was a trace of amusement in his voice. He turne

licking to Damien, who watched her with

sneaking glances at Damien. He was quieter than his brothers, but there was a subt

felt a hand gently graze her arm. She turned to see Dam

the garden," he murmured. "I

ed, heart pounding. "I th

than answers, then disappeared down the hall, leaving her standing