Page 36 of Royal Shark
“One glass won’t hurt her,” I say.
“I’d prefer water,” Chloe says. “I’m going to be studying later tonight and need a clear head.”
Silvia smiles. “Sara told me you’re a star student. You’re going to be a doctor, right?”
“Yes,” Chloe says. “I want to be a medical researcher. I plan to cure cancer.” She says it matter-of-factly, not in the least bit braggy, her expression dead serious.
Silvia glances at me, her lips curving into a small smile, before turning back to Chloe. “Very impressive.”
“I’m not trying to impress,” Chloe says. “I’m trying to improve humanity.”
“Well, somebody has to,” Silvia says with a laugh.
Chloe doesn’t laugh. She’s not one for joking or silliness of any kind. That playful side of her died with our parents. I can’t blame her, but I’d hoped she’d reclaim it in college.
There’s a knock at the door, and I turn as Silvia answers it. Adrian and his guard, Jack, are standing there. Jack remains in the hall while Adrian walks in, giving his sister a hug, his gaze meeting mine over her shoulder. I flush with heat. That’s never happened to me before with just a look.
He crosses to me, leans down and kisses my cheek. “I need to talk to you later.”
I’m instantly wary. He’s been poking around my game. If there’s any bad news about the guys, I don’t want to know. He doesn’t wait for my response, instead turning to greet Chloe warmly.
“I remember you like this,” he says, holding his hand down at belly-button level to show how small she was. “Now you’re on your way to being a doctor.”
“That’s right,” she says.
“How’s Columbia?” he asks.
Chloe launches into a detailed description of her professors and classes. Adrian listens attentively, which I give him a lot of credit for because it’s not always easy to follow what she’s studying.
When Chloe finally winds down, Silvia tells us to gather around the coffee table for a toast. “You too, Cade!” she calls. “Oh, bring the Pellegrino too.”
We all gather around, and Silvia pours the champagne and a glass of sparkling water for Chloe. She holds up her glass and waits for us all to lift ours.
Silvia takes us all in. “I just want to say that I’m so, so glad we can all be together once again, and I hope this is just the beginning of a continued wonderful friendship. To Sara and Chloe!”
“To Sara and Chloe,” Adrian echoes with a warm smile.
A pang of guilt hits me. They’re being so nice to us. I definitely should’ve gotten in touch sooner.
We all clink glasses and drink. Chloe looks a little lost. She barely remembers them. I do, though, and it means a lot.
“Dinner will be in five minutes,” Cade says.
“Let’s take this over to the dining room table,” Silvia says, heading over there with her drink.
Adrian pulls out a chair and gestures for me to take it. More gentleman manners. I can’t help my smile. “Do they teach you that at prince training school?”
He pushes my chair in after I’m seated. “I definitely suffered through my share of etiquette lessons.” He goes to help Chloe into her chair, but she promptly sits down on her own. I don’t think she even noticed his effort.
Adrian takes the seat across from me and turns to Silvia. “Speaking of suffering and reunions, I met with Dylan earlier.” He turns to me and Chloe. “That’s my cousin from the side of the family that was exiled.”
“How did it go?” Silvia asks. “Isn’t he a gruff and growly sweetheart?”
Adrian presses his lips together. “He was gruff all right, but he did meet with me and was helpful. Anyway, he wasn’t too keen on a family reunion, but I think it’s time. With Gabriel and Anna ruling, I think we could lift the exile and welcome them back to Villroy.”
“But would they want to go back?” Silvia asks. “I’ve met Dylan and his brothers, and they were friendly enough, but any time I mentioned home, they sounded bitter.”
“All the more reason to bring them back into the fold.”
