Chapter 56

The next morning, Leo sent for Victor. At breakfast time, Victor entered the palace door. He was wearing a shiny black suit and carrying white tulips in his hand. Everyone was sitting in the dining room, and for the first time in a whole era, Raoul sat on the seat next to Leo, and the one in front of him sat. Marie, and next to her was Asia, and next to them sat little Estline and Asline, next to Raoul sat his wife, followed by Estline, her aunt, and Adrian, her lover. They were all exchanging conversations and laughter, and Leo’s eyes were following them with an amusement that merged with the resentment over those years that he had wasted in vain in hatred and stupid balling at those who did not deserve that from him.

Victor came forward with a big smile on his face, and behind him came Cooper and Damon, also wearing elegant formal uniforms, as if they were going to some party. Victor stood at the head of the table opposite Leo, then motioned for Cooper and Damon to sit next