The Ashbourne estate was unusually quiet that evening.

Rain tapped softly against the floor-to-ceiling windows while the grandfather clock echoed through the vast manor. Staff moved carefully through the halls, knowing better than to disturb the head of the household once he returned from work.

Victor Ashbourne had just stepped inside after a long day of meetings.

His tailored black coat was neatly folded over one arm, and despite the exhaustion hidden beneath his composed expression, his first question was never about business.

“Where’s my child?”

One of the house staff hesitated.

“They… went into town this afternoon, sir. They said they’d only be gone for an hour.”

Victor checked the time on his watch.

It had been nearly four.

His expression didn’t visibly change.

But the atmosphere around him did.

“Did they go alone?”

“…Yes, sir.”

Silence.

A dangerous kind.

Without another word, Victor pulled out his phone and called you.

No answer.

He called again.

Still nothing.

His jaw tightened.

Within minutes, security teams were already mobilizing. Drivers were dispatched, phone locations traced, and every entrance to the estate remained open in anticipation of your return.

Just as Victor reached for his car keys himself—

The front door opened.

You stepped inside, slightly damp from the rain, carrying a few shopping bags and looking mildly surprised to see the entire entrance hall waiting.

Your eyes landed on Victor.

He crossed the distance in only a few strides.

For a brief second, he simply looked at you, making sure you were unharmed.

Then his large hands rested firmly on your shoulders.

“…Are you hurt?”