The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 48

Weekend.

The autumn rain that had been falling for days finally stopped. The sky was washed clean and bright, and sunlight pierced through the clouds, gilding the glass tiles of the Lehman Estate with a radiant trim.

Barnum Lehman, the elusive patriarch of the family, uncharacteristically skipped going into the office today and stayed home the entire day.

In the morning, while Annelise was strolling through the gardens with Lizzie, she noticed Barnum and Felix, the head butler, playing chess all morning in the first-floor lounge.

After lunch, Annelise was reading in her room when a knock came at the door.

It was Felix.

Dressed in a sharply ironed black butler's suit, he stood at the door, bowing slightly. His posture was respectful, yet his eyes carried an unquestionable authority.

"Madam, the master has requested your presence in the lounge for a drink."

Annelise's heart gave a slight jolt.

In the Lehman family, being summoned by Barnum for a drink usually meant one thing. It was time to talk business.

"Alright, Felix. I'll be right down."

She closed her book and selected the most modest, elegant beige long dress from her closet.

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