Dexter slipped into another dimly lit private dining room at that moment.
There, Sanford was seated opposite his grandfather.
The elder, Declan, presented a picture of austerity, his meticulously styled gray hair narrating tales of the past. His deep-set eyes, imposing and authoritative, demanded immediate respect.
Stepping closer, Dexter leaned in and whispered cautiously, “Mr. Quimby, Stella has arrived as well.”
A shadow flickered across Sanford’s face as he murmured softly, “Did she cross your path?”
“No, I just had a word with Doreen downstairs, and she brought up Stella,” Dexter explained quietly.
After a moment’s reflection, Sanford directed “You’d better leave now. It’s crucial Stella doesn’t spot you here.”
Acknowledging with a nod, Dexter exited the room with discreet steps.
As the door gently clicked shut, Declan, who had been dining, paused, his utensils resting on the table as surprise flickered through his eyes. “Stella? Is Kori’s daughter here as well?”
Sanford’s expression remained unreadable, though a slight twitch of his brow betrayed his concern. He faced Declan, his voice steady.
“Grandpa, what brought you away from Lyllmann so suddenly?”
Gazing back with a mix of amusement and cunning, Declan’s smile widened. His eyes, gleaming with a mischievous spark, revealed his tactical acumen. “Sanford, you’re not fooling anyone. You’re dodging the issue.”
Sanford kept his composure, his voice even. “I’m not avoiding anything, Grandpa. You have pressing responsibilities back in Lyllmann, and it’s been years since you left. Seamarsh is riddled with uncertainties and lurking dangers. I’ve made arrangements for your safe return tonight.”
Declan’s grin took on a fox-like cunning, a playful light dancing in his eyes. He teased out his words slowly. “Sanford, seeing you this flustered is a rarity. What’s troubling you? Are you afraid I’ll meddle with Stella?”
Sanford’s eyes narrowed, his tone sharpening as he responded, “My concern isn’t what you might do to her. I’m worried you’ll throw my plans into disarray. Every move is critical, and we cannot afford a single slip-up.”
A chilling glimmer flashed in Declan’s eyes, carrying a stark warning.
“I’ve advised you before to expedite your plans. If you’re not up to the task, I’m prepared to step in. However, be warned, it won’t be a scenario you can easily manage.”
Sanford’s expression tightened, his tone firm and unyielding.
“Grandpa, I assure you, everything is firmly in my hands. We still have plenty of time before the three-month deadline approaches. You’re acting prematurely. Patience is essential, and impulsive actions could dismantle all we’ve built.”
Declan’s response was a harsh laugh, echoing slightly in the quiet room. His piercing gaze settled on Sanford, probing and incisive.
“You seem different, Sanford. You weren’t always this cautious. Is Stella the reason behind this change?”
Quick to dismiss the implication, Sanford answered with deliberate clarity, “No, it has nothing to do with her. My focus is solely on the comprehensive strategy.”
Unswayed, Declan stood up, adjusted his attire with a crisp, practiced motion, and announced his intent, his voice laced with determination. “Since I’ve made the journey here, I shall take it upon myself to meet Stella. I’m eager to understand what makes her so intriguing.”
With a resolved stride, he began to approach the door.