Especially when it was something that benefited the Gardner family.
"Alright, enough kissing up. It's getting late, go back."
Preston knew Ezekiel well enough to realize that the deal was basically sealed, and his smile deepened.
He stood up and said, "I'll take my leave then. Get some rest, Grandfather."
With that, he turned and headed out.
Ezekiel watched him go, then pulled out his phone and dialed a contact saved as "Old Man Xavier."
The phone rang for a bit before it was answered.
A rare smile touched Ezekiel's face as he spoke warmly. "Old Xavier, I recall you mentioning that your girl is of age. Coincidentally, my grandson is also at the perfect age for marriage. Have you considered joining our two families?"
Whatever the voice on the other end said made Ezekiel's expression stiffen for a second, but he quickly recovered.
"Alright, I understand. No problem. Let's find some time to discuss the details in person."
With that, Ezekiel ended the call.
He lowered his eyes, lost in thought.
After a long silence, he looked up and let out a soft sigh.
The next day.
When Lyra woke up, it was already noon. The sun was shining brightly outside, filtering through the gently swaying curtains and filling the room with warmth.
She stretched, sat up, and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. There was no reply from Miles, just some work-related messages waiting in the group chat.
Forget it, it probably wasn't anything urgent.
Or maybe he just wasn't awake yet.

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