M had finallypleted her Ph.D. inputer science, a journey that had cost her a seven-year silent feud with her internationally renowned fashion designer grandaunt. Her grandaunt was convinced M was squandering her talent, and since M''s marriage, they had not seen each other.


    This rift, however, did little to bridge the chasm between M and Lysander. Their rtionship remained as cold and distant as ever. Looking back, M realized that her efforts must have seemedughable to him.-


    Now, with the decision to divorce made, she was ready to leave theputer science field behind. Although she had achieved some sess, it never matched her true passion. She hoped it wasn''t toote to rekindle that passion, and thankfully, she hadn''tpletely abandoned design over the years.


    First, she needed to wrap up her current responsibilities and find someone to take over her projects. Then, she could fully immerse herself in the art of design, which she truly loved.


    Determined, M took a refreshing shower, tidied up the bed, and, not nning to stay long, ignored the luggage. Exhausted, she fell asleep.


    ...


    At the Montgomery family estate, it was around ten at night when Lysander returned home with Adrian. Adrian sat in the car, clutching a handheld game console that Giselle had given him. He hesitated to get out, looking at Lysander with pleading eyes. "Dad," he said softly.


    He knew that if he took the game inside, his mom would likely confiscate it.


    Lysander understood what was on his mind. He tapped the steering wheel lightly and said, "Leave it in the car. She won''t search my car."


    "Yay!" Adrian cheered, satisfied with his dad''s assurance. He quickly stowed the game console in the glovepartment.


    As they got out of the car, Adrian asked, "Dad, can I go over tomorrow to y with Giselle?"


    Lysander shook his head. "No, we have things to do."


    "Ah!" Adrian sighed, disappointed. But then he had another idea. "Dad, can you take me to Grandma''s? I''m finally on winter break, and Mom''s always keeping an eye on me at home. It''s so annoying and not fun at all."


    This time, Lysander agreed.


    Adrian immediately perked up and skipped into the house.


    In the living room, Harper greeted them, offering a steaming bowl of soup to ward off the chill. She also took their coats.


    Lysander handed over his coat, frowning slightly. "Where''s M?"


    Usually, no matter howte he came home, if M was around, she would be


    waiting in the living room, often tending to his clothes herself.


    Hadn''t she called earlier to say she wasing home from work?


    Why wasn''t she here?


    Harper was surprised. She had assumed that M had informed him. "Didn''t you know, sir? Mrs. Montgomery is on a business trip."


    A business trip? What kind of business trip could that rickety old bank of hers possibly have?


    Lysander shrugged off the thought, not really caring whether she was home or not. In fact, her absence was a relief.


    Adrian, on the other hand, was thrilled. His eyes, which were as mischievously bright as his father''s, sparkled with excitement. He eximed, "Dad, then I can bring the game inside to y!"


    With Mom away, he wouldn''t have to hide at Grandma''s. He could be the king of the castle, free from any restrictions.


    Lysander nodded, letting Adrian enjoy his freedom.


    He retreated to his bedroom, took a shower, and changed into his silk pajamas, leaving the cor casually open. His damp hair fell messily over his long, fox-like eyes, which were now soft and dreamy.


    The phone on the bedside table buzzed. ncing at it, he saw messages from Giselle. As he replied, something caught his eye, and his hand froze mid-motion.


    A space on the nightstand was conspicuously empty. The little red-hatted robot was gone.