Although they anticipated the worst before returning for the meeting, none of them expected that their expectations were more nuanced than they had anticipated.
Aston then guided all the leaders back to the study, where Kisha was already waiting.
Meanwhile, Aston's subordinates stood guard outside the villa entrance to ensure that no one would interrupt the important meeting.
Not that anyone would actually have the nerve to barge into the City Lord's villa, but they were simply following protocol and couldn't afford to relax during such a critical time.
Inside the study, as everyone arrived, Kisha stood up and gestured for them to sit.
Duke approached her, and, as if by habit, they wordlessly agreed—Duke took the leather chair, while Kisha sat on his lap.
No one paid much attention, as they had long grown accustomed to it.
Their expressions remained serious, unaffected by this brief interlude.