ment to the Emerson family's refined taste. Malcolm Emerson, patriarc

olm said, his voice commanding attention. "Our profits are

er. I've been analyzing the market trends, and I think

he had been waiting for an opportunity to bring up her research trip, bu

alcolm continued. "Their proposal has potential, but I

lied. "I'll review it today

her research trip, but the conversation seemed endless. Her f

ccompany me to the investor me

ded. "Of cou

away. She cleared her throat, attempting t

her voice was drowned out by Malcolm

e banks, unable to cross. Her research trip, her passion project, hun

orning silence. He stood up, apologizing to B

opportunity, her voice barely above a whisper

ng slightly. "Make it quick, Ade

d to his sister, curio

ent, but her words still trembled. "I... need permiss

ve discussed this. Your focus should be on your

essed on. "This trip is crucial to my resear

Father, perhaps we should hear her out. A

"Very well. I'll listen. But make your case convincing, Adeline

ath, steeling herself f

epped away, his phone pressed to his

ppointment etching her features. She slum

hed out, covering her hand with his. "H

ed. "It's always the s

m later, okay? You work hard and get everyt

Adeline's eyes. She smiled fa

Ben," she

eyes crinkling. "That's

d, replaced by a warm

on Benjamin's, gratitu

curve of her lips. Benjamin's

dy," she said, her voice

her hand. "I'll handle Fath

pation building. She pushed her

aid, her voice filled

led. "You're t

widened. "I t

Adeline left the breakfas

once uncertain, now

************

and books into her suitcase. Her mind wandere

at the university library, their share

her pulse racing. She hadn'

to the research trip. Sebastian would be there

o spend time with him i

ushed. She couldn't

pation grew. This trip promised m

her mind swirled with thoughts of Sebastian. His piercing eyes

ading through her veins – Adeline couldn't deny the sensations. Sh

erflowing with books. His desk was a chaos of papers, notes, and open text

e pages of a worn leather-bound book. His mind

an was determined to unravel the myst

ted to Adeline. Their chance encounter a

smile, infectious laugh

aze drifting to the small note o

call to discuss their

t too

g the silence. A text from Dr. Le

harp. Pack essentials.

surged. Tomorrow coul

his notes, fueli

king her bags, her heart racing wit

*************