Chapter 286: Subtle Moves
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust..." As the priest continued to officiate Cedric’s funeral, a sea of mourners clad in black gathered around the burial ground.
Aliana stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the coffin as it was lowered into the earth. No tears fell from her eyes this time. Over the past two days, she had grieved until she they wouldn’t come out anymore.
Gavriel stood beside her with his arm wrapped securely around her waist, standing by in case she broke down. He had been her rock, keeping her grounded and granting her the quiet space she needed to heal.
Regret still weighed heavily on Aliana’s heart for not being able to save Cedric despite everything. Still, Gavriel had continued to reassure her that she had at least saved Cedric’s soul from being consumed by the demoness Vorra.
After all, Cedric’s final words had been those of gratitude, thanking her for saving his soul.
Still, accepting the harsh reality of his absence was a bitter pill to swallow.
Once the service concluded, the attendees made their way toward their vehicles. A formidable line of security personnel held back the media, ensuring the high-profile attendees could leave without disturbance.
News of the island tragedy had sent shockwaves through the entire city. Citizens struggled to comprehend how such horrific acts could be committed by the city’s most respected figures. Consequently, public backlash targeted the high-society elite, leaving people to wonder how many other monsters hid behind closed doors.
The same scrutiny naturally fell upon Aliana and Gavriel. But neither of them paid much attention to it, knowing the public had a habit of fuelling conspiracies for a few days before moving on to the next scandal to sink their teeth into.
When they reached their car, the chauffeur opened the rear door for Aliana.
Before stepping inside, she turned to Jade and gently took her hand. "I will see you around then?"
Jade offered a faint nod. "You will. I will stop by to visit you sometime this week."
Aliana managed a faint smile and was just about to get into the car when Jade suddenly spoke again.
"Oh, that’s right... I almost forgot. Your parents must have told you about the small gathering at the Vanderbilt Mansion this week. Any idea what it is about?"
Aliana’s brows lifted slightly. "Oh... right. I almost forgot. They didn’t tell me anything other than to stop by for dinner."
"Will you be going?" Jade asked, knowing just how difficult Cedric’s death had been for her.
Aliana let out a soft sigh. "I guess I’ll have to. I should see them. It’s been a while, and after everything that’s happened... they’ve been worried."
Jade nodded in understanding. "Alright then. I’ll see you on Friday?"
"You will." Giving Jade’s hand one last gentle squeeze, Aliana finally climbed into the car while Jade made her way towards hers.
Cillian, who had just returned after speaking to someone, glanced briefly at the redhead, who looked back at him before getting into her car. He then turned to Gavriel, who had just closed the car door behind Aliana.
"We need to talk," Cillian said in a low voice. "Reve is back with updates on the investigation."
"Let’s talk tomorrow. I’ll come to the office then," Gavriel replied.
Cillian’s brow shot up in surprise. "You will? That is new. You rarely step foot in the office unless there are urgent meetings regarding the port project."
Gavriel let out a low sigh. "I need to." His eyes drifted toward the car, watching Aliana as she received a call. "I need to encourage her to get out of the house as well. She has been... far too anxious lately."
Cillian followed his gaze, studying Aliana through the window. "Well, that’s understandable. You did not heed my warning when I told you to wrap things up quickly back on the island. But regardless... can’t you just feed on her anxiety?"
Gavriel’s brows drew together at the suggestion.
Even though he had done it once before, he had no intention of feeding on Aliana’s emotions again unless absolutely necessary. For reasons he couldn’t explain, everything within him rejected the very idea of feeding on his wife’s emotions.
"Can’t do it." Gavriel’s answer was absolute.
Cillian merely shrugged. "Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow."
And with that, their conversation came to an end.
.....
For the next couple of days, Aliana busied herself with the work Nigel had been managing in her absence.
Even though their trip had been cut short, several urgent matters still demanded her attention.
After all, she was still the CEO of Van Empire.
To ease herself back into the routine, she worked at the office for only half the day, spending her afternoons working from home.
For a change, she was the one spending more time at home than Gavriel.
He had begun going to the Archon Group headquarters daily to handle business in person, though he always made it a point to return home by early evening to spend time with her.
A day before the dinner at the Vanderbilt estate, around four in the afternoon, Aliana finished signing a report in the living room of the Valentine Residence.
She looked up at Nigel, who sat across from her. "We can move forward with this project. Organise a meeting with the engineers for Monday."
Nigel’s fingers flew across his laptop keyboard. "Done, boss."
"Any news on Rufus? Did he stir up any trouble while I was away?" Aliana asked, setting the file down on the table.
Nigel closed his laptop and looked up. "The day you left for your trip, he stopped by your office claiming he needed your input on a project proposal."
"Did he, now?" Aliana raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her seat.
Right on cue, a knock echoed at the entrance, and Aliana looked up to see Winston standing near the doorway with a serving trolley. "Madam, I have brought some refreshments."
"Thank you, Winston. Just tea for me, please. Nigel can have the food," Aliana replied as he rolled the trolley toward the table.
Winston pressed his lips together briefly before speaking. "If I may, you ought to eat as well, Madam. The Master would hardly be pleased to learn you are neglecting your meals, especially considering you barely touched your lunch."
Aliana offered Winston a small smile. "Are you planning to snitch on me, Winston?"
"I would never, Madam. However, the Master always has his ways of finding out," Winston replied, his face a picture of calm composure.
Nigel looked between Winston and Aliana, nodding in agreement. "I side with him, boss. You really do love skipping meals. I have to remind you every single time."
Aliana looked at the two men, who both pinned her with unwavering stares that made it clear neither was willing to back down.
Releasing a resigned sigh, she gave in. "Fine, I will have a little."
An immensely pleased expression surfaced on Winston’s face, looking as though he had just completed a monumental task, and he began serving them immediately.
While he poured the tea, Aliana turned her attention back to Nigel. "So, do you know what this project was about? The one Rufus wanted me to review?"