The expansive dining room was centered around a single table. The table was crafted from thick linden wood, untouched by paint, with its natural grain vividly on display. Leaning in closer, one could catch the faint scent of fresh wood lingering in the air. Addison glanced up, her eyes landing on Matthew seated at the head of the table. His expression was solemn, a stark departure from his usual warm demeanor, exuding a sense of distance that made her uneasy. To Matthew's left sat another elderly man dressed in a muted teal robe. His appearance radiated a mix of weathered wisdom and an aura of commanding authority, the kind that demanded respect without a single word. Addison studied the man closely, searching her memory for any clue as to his identity, but she came up blank. He was a complete stranger. Behind the elderly man stood two imposing bodyguards, each with a muscular build and a disciplined stance. Their unwavering gazes betrayed the thorough training they had undergone. Few individuals were allowed to bring bodyguards into the Daves Residence. The family's lifestyle might appear relaxed, but their security measures were anything but. The tight control over who entered the estate underscored the exceptional status of this man. As Addison's mind raced to deduce his identity, she suddenly realized all eyes in the room were now fixed on her, drawn by her unceremonious entrance. Under the weight of their stares, a wave of nervousness swept over her. Glancing down at her outfit—a hastily chosen combination of a camisole and an oversized beige cardigan—she felt a surge of embarrassment. Her casual attire was glaringly out of place in such a formal atmosphere. The solemn expressions and unblinking gazes only heightened her discomfort. Addison could practically feel herself shrinking under their scrutiny. "I ... " she began, her voice faltering as she struggled to regain her composure in the awkward silence. Matthew, seated at the center of the table, finally broke the tension. "Addy, you're here. Come, take a seat." Matthew sat in the center, waving at Addison. Addison took a hesitant step forward but then stopped abruptly."Um ... I overslept and missed the time we agreed on yesterday. I'm so sorry," she said softly, her head bowed. "I didn't mean to delay everyone's meal because of me. Please accept my apologies." She braced herself for a reprimand, but instead of criticism, a hearty voice filled the room. "So, this is your granddaughter?" The unfamiliar man spoke up with a tone of pleasant surprise. "I've been eager to meet her. She's truly stunning and so well-mannered. What an exceptional young woman!" Addison's lips twitched as she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Exceptional? She glanced down at her loose, unkempt outfit and inwardly scoffed. How could anyone look at this mess and still manage to say such flattering things? Did he not feel the slightest bit insincere? Despite her inner doubts, Addison maintained a polite smile and gave the man a slight bow, her graceful movements like a flowing stream. Even Addison could sense the excessive flattery in his words, but Matthew appeared thoroughly pleased. Stroking his beard, he chuckled warmly, clearly basking in the compliment."Addy is wonderful in every way," Matthew said, his tone filled with pride. "But she's too soft-hearted, too kind ... " He gestured again, urging her to come closer. "Come, have a seat." "It's alright if you woke up late. I won't blame you. If you can't sleep in at home, then where else can you?" "Come over and join us." Matthew's smile was warm, radiating indulgence to the extreme. Addison finally found a seat and sat down. She picked up the bowl of cereal in front of her but had barely taken a couple of bites when Leon walked in hurriedly from outside. Addison raised an eyebrow, curious why Leon had also shown up late today. "You're finally here. Do you know what time it is? And you're only now coming to eat?" Matthew looked up at Leon, his tone displeased. The contrast was striking—Matthew's obvious favoritism toward Addison made his disapproval of Leon all the more glaring. But Leon ignored Matthew entirely. Instead, he turned to the man beside, William Hamilton, and said, "Mr. William, you've finally decided to show up." "I was beginning to think you'd keep avoiding this forever." The remark was sharp and borderline rude, wholly inappropriate for addressing a guest. Addison froze, her utensils pausing mid-air. She was taken aback. Leon was usually reserved and polite, someone who treated others with respect no matter the circumstances. This outburst was completely out of character. "What are you doing?" Matthew set down his silverware and chastised Leon. "Mr. William is our family's guest. How can you be so disrespectful to someone dining in our home?" "You represent our family. Is this what I've taught you?" Leon, however, still paid Matthew no mind. His gaze remained fixed on William. "If you're here, then let's lay everything out on the table. Is Ms. Hamilton here too?"At that, Addison's heart skipped a beat. Georgina? So, the older man sitting before me is Georgina's grandfather? "Leon, what do you think you're doing?" Matthew's voice rose as Leon's behavior grew increasingly defiant. He slapped the table as a warning, signaling Leon to stop his discourteous conduct. "Mr. Hamilton, will you not say anything?" Leon pressed, locking eyes with William. The tension in the room grew thick, as though a storm were brewing. Just as Matthew looked ready to explode, William finally stood up. "Matthew, please don't scold him," William said, his voice steady and composed. "This matter is indeed a result of my family's actions. For that, we owe you an apology." As soon as those words were spoken, Addison understood everything. Leon had gone directly to William to demand justice for her after Georgina locked her in the dressing room. He had done this entirely for her sake, unwilling to let her grievance go unanswered.Addison felt a surge of emotion well up in her chest, momentarily leaving her at a loss for words. The Hamiltons were a prominent family in Kreshill, easily on par with the Daves. For Leon to compel William to personally come and apologize must have taken significant effort. Addison was touched. William cleared his throat, then, seemingly out of nowhere, picked up a glass of wine. He raised it in Addison's direction as a gesture. "Ms. Daves, I offer you my sincerest apologies on Georgina's behalf." "She acted rashly, deceived by others and momentarily losing her judgment. It was a foolish mistake, and we, as her elders, failed to guide her properly." "I extend this apology on behalf of Georgina ... " William's attitude was earnest, his words carrying genuine remorse.