Azrael flicked the ash off his cigar and stood.
The movement pulled at his back.
A sharp sting spread across his shoulders where the whip had landed, but his expression didn't change.
Not even a flicker.
He walked to the side, grabbing a fresh shirt. The white fabric slid over his skin, sticking slightly where the wounds were still raw. His jaw tightened for a fraction of a second.
Then it was gone.
Button.
Button.
Button.
The suit followed.
Perfect.
Untouched.
Like nothing had happened.
He adjusted his cufflinks, picked up his coat, and walked out without sparing Mr. Salvatore another glance.
Sulivan immediately stepped aside.
No one dared to speak.
Each step down the stairs was steady, measured. Only he knew how every movement pulled at his back, how the fabric brushed against the wounds.
He didn't slow down.
Didn't stop.
Didn't show it.
He reached the last step when—
"Azrael!"
The voice was bright. Excited.
He turned.
Cold.
A woman hurried toward him, her dress swaying lightly as she moved. Her face lit up when she saw him, but the moment her eyes landed on his expression—
She slowed.
Then stopped.
"…Are you busy right now?" His mom asked carefully, her voice softening as she studied his face.
Watching.
Always watching.
Waiting for his mood.
Azrael stared at her for a long second.
Then—
A smile spread across his lips.
Warm.
Gentle.
Like it had always been meant for her.
"No," he said easily. "When did you get back from the cruise?"
Her face brightened instantly.
"Oh. Just this morning!" she said, stepping closer. "My secretary picked me up."
She turned slightly, gesturing behind her.
"You haven't met Katerina yet, right? I was so worried after Ana resigned so suddenly, but Mr. Salvatore found me another secretary just before the gala!"
Katerina stood a few steps behind, hands clasped in front of her, now dressed in a thin, flowing gown. Her lips curved into a practiced smile, eyes lowered.
Azrael barely glanced at her.
His attention stayed on his mother.
She continued talking, her words tumbling over each other as she excitedly told him about the cruise, the people she met, the places she visited—
Then suddenly—
She gasped.
"Oh… and I saw the news…"
Her voice dropped at the end, almost a whisper.
Her fingers twisted together nervously.
"And… I bought some things for them…"
She peeked up at him, cautious, searching his face.
Testing.
Azrael's smile didn't change.
Not even slightly.
She let out a small breath of relief and immediately grabbed his arm.
"Come, come! Let me show you!"
Sylvia pulled him along toward her room.
Katerina hesitated for a second before following behind them quietly.
The door opened.
Suitcases were already laid out on the bed.
"Open them," his mother said quickly.
Katerina moved forward and unlatched them.
His mother rushed ahead, practically glowing as she began pulling things out one by one.
"These are for Roe—look at this, isn't it cute? And this one too! Oh, and I saw this and immediately thought of him—"
Sylvia kept going, showing him clothes, toys, little accessories, her excitement spilling over with every item.
Then she opened another suitcase.
"And these are for Valerie and these are for Andrea—" Her hand flew to her mouth.
"I-I—" she stammered, eyes widening. "I just felt bad for the poor girl, I didn't mean—"
"It's fine."
His voice was calm.
Flat.
Unbothered.
She froze for a second before slowly lowering her hand, studying his face again.
He was still smiling.
Sylvia nodded quickly, almost too quickly, and moved on, her tone turning slightly more careful.
After a while, her voice softened.
"Can I go see them?" she asked hesitantly. "I don't disturb them. I just—"
She trailed off, watching him again.
Azrael adjusted his sleeve, gaze lowering briefly before returning to her.
"I'll call you," he said.
He wasn't refusing. She caught it immediately and nodded.
"Oh, sure," she said softly, relief and caution mixing in her voice.
Silence settled for a moment.
Azrael turned slightly, already moving toward the door.
Behind him, Katerina stood quietly, her gaze lingering for just a second too long before dropping again.
His mother watched his back as he left and
"I gave birth to him but I almost have a heart attack every time talking to him. Just like his father." Sylvia sighed wih herhand on heart, looking at Katerina. "When is Vincent coming back?"
"In about a week, Madam."