Rau conducted the final inspections on the Lee Household. The staff were ready, the kitchen was all set with food and the bar stocked with beverages. It was now 6 pm with guests arriving at 7.

The party would be out on the terrace, with a floating buffet on offer. Butlers and household staff would circulate with trays of food. All of Kai and Lilly Kim’s favourites. The décor was an enchanted forest theme. Exotic blooms injected their heavy scent into the air, dainty fairy lights hung from potted trees. Secret alcoves were created for privacy. Rau barely recognised the terrace. 

Baekhyun was the first downstairs, “Has Arran and Sehun arrived yet?” he followed Rau around like a lost puppy.

Rau shook his head, “They will bring your grandmother.”

“I haven’t been able to get any of them the whole day.”  He flopped down on a chair, “this is so boring! I didn’t fly back for nothing you know?”

“They are very busy.” Rau made excuses. In truth, it was very hard to get Arran or Sehun to visit home. He had not seen either in weeks. It was disconcerting how easily they could cut ties with the Lee Estate.  When Rau took over from his cousin Tanaka, the legendary Lee butler had told him the importance of keeping the family together. Rau felt he had failed. But he didn’t have time to dwell because the Presidents were next to come down.

Gaelin looked breath-taking in an emerald green dress.

Soo-hyuk looked handsome but a little nervous about the evening.

“Where are Kai and Lilly Kim?” he glanced impatiently at his watch.

“Taemin ssi is on his with them now,” Rau quickly confirmed.

Gaelin exchanged a nervous look with Soo-hyuk, “It will be fine.” He promised for her sake but neither knew what the evening would bring.

***

Arran and Sehun helped their grandmother out the car.

“I told the President that I will be with Lee Sung-kyung.” September whispered to Arran.

“I’m nervous.”

“Me too,” September admitted. 

Arran took her hand, but September pulled hers away, “Go on. They are waiting for you.” She remained behind. Only the Lee House Master was required to attend the event.

“Stay with Halmeoni,” Sehun asked Arran and called September to one side, “I expect you to stay here and wait for us.” September bowed, “I mean it Isa. That’s an order.”

As the elevator doors closed, she met her Directors eyes. What was he thinking? What was she thinking?

“Somethings different about Isa,” Arran complained to her brother, “It’s like she’s pulling away.”

“Don’t get too close.