The waiter handed nus to the three won and finally to Eliot. They all skimd through the options, and Eliot was the first to place his order, followed by Myra and then Marianna.
When it was Eira’s turn, she noticed everyone turning toward her. She hesitated before putting on a feigned embarrassed expression. "Uhm, I’ve never had this kind of food before, and I’ve never been to a restaurant like this. I’m not sure what to order. If I just pick sothing at random, I might not like it..."
"Give it to . I’ll help you order," Eliot offered, taking the nu from her with a small smile, though there was a hint of guilt in his expression.
"Thank you, Dad," Eira said with a sweet smile, earning an eye-roll from Myra.
"You can try..." Eliot began listing several dishes that were remarkably similar to ones Eira had enjoyed in her past life. When he finished, their eyes t, and they exchanged a knowing smile.
Minutes later, the waitstaff returned, arranging their food neatly on the large table before bowing politely and stepping away.
"All right, let’s dig in," Eliot said, and everyone began eating.
The table filled with the clinking of spoons and forks on plates, the soft thuds of glass cups being set down, and the low murmur of Myra and Marianna’s conversation.
Suddenly, Eliot picked up a champagne glass and lightly tapped it with his spoon, the clear ding imdiately drawing everyone’s attention.
"So, I’m sure you all know why we are all here today eating dinner as a family but I will say it again. Our company, Alc Architecture, got a contract worth a hundred million, and the company that gave us the contract is the main Aelion Laboratory for Advanced Research and Innovation (LARI). This is one of the most prestigious research companies in the world, and securing this contract ans not only financial stability for the next few years but also a major boost in our reputation within the industry." Eliot’s voice carried both pride and delight as he looked at each of them in turn.
Marianna’s face lit up, her earlier embarrassnt forgotten. "That’s wonderful news, Eliot. A hundred million is an incredible amount. You’ve really outdone yourself."
Myra put her phone down for once, her interest piqued. "That’s amazing, Dad. Does this an we’ll be collaborating with their team?"
Eliot nodded. "Yes, and it’s going to be a long-term partnership. This is why I wanted us all to celebrate together as a family. It’s a mont to be proud of."
Eira, who had been quietly eating, glanced up. "Congratulations, Dad. It’s a remarkable achievent."
Eliot smiled warmly at her. "Thank you, Ephyra. Your support ans a lot." He raised his glass of champagne. "Let’s toast to new beginnings, success, and our family."
They all lifted their glasses, even Eira, who hadn’t planned on drinking. The crystal glasses clinked together in a harmonious chi, and Eliot’s face was lit with a rare genuine smile.
As they all took sips from their glasses, Myra spoke up, her voice tinged with curiosity. "So, what’s the first project going to be about? Are we designing one of their labs?"
"Not just any lab," Eliot replied, setting his glass down. "We’ll be designing their flagship headquarters. It’s going to be state-of-the-art, with cutting-edge technology integrated into every aspect of the architecture. This is why it’s such a significant contract."
Eira’s eyebrows arched slightly, though she kept her expression neutral. "Sounds like quite the undertaking."
"It is," Eliot admitted. "But we’re ready for the challenge."
Marianna leaned forward slightly, her eyes glittering with interest. "And how does this impact us directly? Will we be... moving up the social ladder, so to speak?"
Eliot gave her a pointed look. "This isn’t about social status, Marianna. It’s about building sothing aningful and leaving a legacy." He smiled, "Let’s continue eating."
They continued eating, this ti in absolute silence, though Eira could feel Myra’s gaze boring into her.
When their al was finished, dessert was served. After the waiter left, Eira sat up, smoothing her napkin on the table. "Excuse , I need to use the restroom."
"Alright," Eliot nodded, watching as she rose from her chair. Eira approached one of the staff to ask for directions to the ladies’ room. A waiter led her down a hallway and stopped in front of a door, gesturing politely.
"Thank you," Eira murmured, pushing open the door.
The restroom was lavishly designed, with polished marble surfaces and a mirror inlaid with warm white lights that gave the space an ethereal glow. It looked more like a showroom than a functional restroom. Eira approached the row of sinks, running her hand under the automatic faucet. Cool water cascaded over her fingers.
The sound of the door opening behind her caught her attention. She glanced at the mirror and wasn’t surprised to see Myra striding towards her.
"You just have to ruin everything, don’t you?" Myra hissed.
Eira didn’t respond imdiately, continuing to let the water flow over her hands.
Myra stopped beside her, her voice rising. "Why did you even co? You knew you didn’t want to be here. You should’ve stayed wherever the hell you were. The house was so peaceful without you, and we were doing just fine when you left!"
Suddenly, Myra grabbed Eira’s hand, her grip fierce. Eira didn’t flinch. Instead, she yanked her hand free and turned, shoving Myra hard against the mirror.
She leaned in, her voice low but sharp. "What was that you said the other day? That I wasn’t the real Ephyra? That Alan told you to observe ? Isn’t that what you said?"
"W-what?" Myra stamred, her face pale. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Eira’s grip on Myra’s arm tightened. "Now you’re playing clueless? Tell , what exactly did Alan fucking say to you?"
"I don’t know what you’re talking about!" Myra yelled, squirming in Eira’s grasp. "Alan didn’t tell anything! Let go—you’re hurting !"
Eira’s expression hardened. She leaned closer, her nails digging into Myra’s skin. "Listen. We don’t have much ti before soone else walks in here. Speak."
"Ahh! Stop! It hurts!" Myra sobbed, her voice cracking. "I don’t know anything! I swear!"
Eira studied her tear-streaked face, her cold gaze unyielding. Then, she released her hold, letting Myra collapse against the sink, whimpering.
Turning back to the faucet, Eira washed her hands thodically, focusing on her nails as her mind raced. A mont later, a faint smile curved her lips, as though she’d just solved a puzzle.
Grabbing a tissue, she dried her hands and turned to Myra, who was glaring at her through watery eyes. Eira’s voice was soft but chilling. "Whatever shit those n injected you with must’ve scrambled your mory. That only makes more curious about what it was."
She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "This," she gestured between them, "stays between us. If you breathe a word to anyone, I won’t wait until the banquet. You’ll wish you’d never been born."
With that, she turned on her heel and left the restroom, leaving Myra trembling against the sink.
———
Outside the restaurant, Eira watched as Myra hastily climbed into their car, her expression carefully composed. Marianna followed, sliding in beside her. Eliot lingered, turning to Eira with a concerned look.
"Ephyra, aren’t you coming ho with us?"
"I’m sorry, Dad," Eira said, her tone apologetic but firm. "Not yet. I’ll be ho before Monday. There’s sothing I need to take care of first."
Eliot hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Just... take care of yourself. Where are you staying?"
"At a friend’s place," Eira replied smoothly. "She’s a classmate. She’s the one who bought the gown and arranged for a driver to bring here and back."
"Your friend is very kind."
"Yes, she is," Eira said, glancing briefly at the blue Rolls-Royce waiting nearby. "I need to go, Dad. It’s getting late."
"Alright. Take care, and rember, I love you."
"Mm, love you too," Eira murmured before walking toward the car. She got in, closing the door behind her without a backward glance.
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