?Chapter 906:


    Cody’s POV:


    Sunlight spilled through the windowpanes, draping the coffee table in a warm, golden embrace and deepening the room’s peaceful ambiance. Seatedfortably, I busied myself arranging the coffee cups with deliberate care. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee curled into the air, a soothing presence that wrapped around me like an old friend. A sudden knock at the door stirred me from my quiet moment.


    I nced up to find a servant standing at the threshold, his posture crisp with deference. Bowing slightly, he announced, “Mr. Harrison, Mr. Pierce’s physician, Edward Burton, has arrived. He is waiting in the sitting room.”


    At this, I set my cup down and let out a light chuckle. “Oh? I must see for myself what sort of man has managed to cure Dayton.”


    Adjusting my sleeves, I rose from my chair and made my way to the sitting room, curiosity simmering beneath myposed exterior. As I pushed open the door, I spotted a servant bent over, gracefully pouring coffee for a lone figure.


    My gazended on him—a man in an unremarkable ck coat, his hair meticulouslybed, his face so in it could have belonged to anyone.


    I arched a brow. So, this was Edward Burton? Hardly the impressive figure I had imagined.


    Masking my disappointment, I summoned an affable smile and strode toward him.


    “Mr. Burton, I’ve heard much about you,” I said smoothly, extending a hand in greeting.


    To my irritation, Edward barely lifted his gaze, offering nothing more than a cursory nce. He made no move to rise, no effort to shake my hand. His eyes, cool and unreadable, held the chill of a winter’s morning.


    “Mr. Harrison, what exactly is troubling you?” he asked tly, his tone stripped of courtesy or curiosity.


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    His chilly indifference needled at me, but years of social maneuvering had taught me how to rein in my temper with practiced ease.


    Still smiling, I settled into my chair and said leisurely, “No rush. It’s not every day we get to meet. Let’s enjoy a cup of coffee first.” Gesturing for the servant to fill his cup, I added with deliberate ease, “This is no ordinary brew—it’s among the finest, a rarity…”


    Even in high circles, you would do well to savor it.” I shed a smile and added yfully, “Don’t underestimate this coffee. Even Mr. Pierce himself might not have the privilege of tasting it.” I let the words hang in the air, emphasizing “Mr. Pierce” just enough to drive my point home. Dayton might be the mayor, but there were levels to influence, and I wanted Edward to see where true powery.


    To my surprise, Edward stood abruptly, his expression as unreadable as before.


    “Mr. Harrison,” he said, his voice as dry as autumn leaves, “since you’re not unwell, I’ll take my leave.”


    His curt, dismissive words erased my smile in an instant. A flicker of irritation red within me.


    In Marehelm, no one would have dared address me with such indifference! A sh of indignation surged within me, but just as I was about to let it spill over, reason anchored me.


    Edward’s reputation as a physician was unparalleled; his expertise was an asset that could be invaluable in the right hands. If I could secure his loyalty, it would serve me well in the future.


    Drawing in a slow breath, I quelled my frustration, smoothing my expression into one of carefully measured warmth.


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