Chapter 92: Chapter 92 Visiting Eldest Brother’s Company

It wasn’t just the outfit, it was the way she held herself, the quiet confidence in her posture, the composed air that seemed to settle naturally around her.

For a brief moment, even Aunt Lavinia was taken aback.

Then, a warm smile slowly spread across her face. She hadn’t expected to see Ashley like this, not so polished, not so... commanding. And yet, what surprised her most wasn’t the attire, but the aura Ashley carried.

There was something unmistakably familiar about it, something that reminded her of the brothers whenever they were serious, focused, untouchable.

In that instant, the resemblance between them became strikingly clear.

"My lady, are you planning to go out?" Aunt Lavinia asked, her tone curious but gentle.

"Yes," Ashley replied, meeting her gaze with quiet resolve. "I’m planning to visit my eldest brother, Apollo, at his company... if that’s alright."

Though she phrased it as a question, there was a firmness in her voice that left little room for doubt. Aunt Lavinia caught it immediately, and her smile only deepened. This was exactly the kind of step she had hoped for.

Ashley’s appearance at the company would naturally solidify her place in the Gildenvale family, allowing the employees of the company to recognize and acknowledge her presence without the need for formal announcements.

"That’s perfect timing," Aunt Lavinia said, clearly pleased. "The kitchen has just finished preparing lunch for the Master. Today’s menu is premium unagi over rice, with tamagoyaki, edamame, and kimchi on the side."

"There’s also a seafood soup with king crab and abalone." She paused, her expression softening with a hint of encouragement. "Why don’t you bring it along and have lunch with him in his office? I’m sure he’d be very happy to see you."

"Sure!" Ashley replied with an eager smile, more than willing to agree.

Truthfully, she had already been looking for a reason to visit her eldest brother at his office, and Aunt Lavinia had just handed her the perfect opportunity.

She hadn’t thought as far ahead as Lavinia had; there were no grand considerations in her mind, only a quiet curiosity she wanted to satisfy. Still, the timing couldn’t have been more ideal.

While waiting for the kitchen staff to pack lunch for her and her brother into a carefully arranged bento box and a thermal container, meant to preserve the freshness and quality of the dishes during the trip, Ashley took the opportunity to nibble on a slice of French toast that had been prepared for her earlier.

She had spent far too long in the bath, indulging herself more than intended, and ended up missing breakfast entirely. Still, since she planned to have lunch with her brother, she didn’t want to eat too much, just enough to take the edge off her hunger.

When the preparations were finally complete, she stepped forward to receive the meal. As she did, her eyes met those of the head chef, who was a broad-shouldered man with a solid, well-built frame.

Ashley was momentarily taken aback by his appearance, though not entirely surprised. Serving a large, aristocratic household demanded both stamina and precision; it made sense that even the staff carried themselves with a certain level of fitness and refinement.

What puzzled her, however, was the concern etched across his face.

It wasn’t until she took the bento box from his hands that she understood. The container was unexpectedly heavy. For someone of her delicate build, it might have seemed like too much.

The chef hesitated for a brief moment before glancing toward one of the male household staff nearby, clearly ready to step in if needed, worried she might struggle to carry it on her own.

Ashley lifted the bento box with ease, the weight barely registering in her arms. The chef and nearby staff exchanged startled glances, clearly caught off guard by how effortlessly she carried it.

Yet, seeing that she managed without the slightest strain, they held their tongues and simply watched her leave the dining hall.

Outside, everything had already been arranged. Aunt Lavinia had called for the driver in advance. But unlike the others, Aunt Lavinia showed no hint of surprise at Ashley’s strength, and that alone made Ashley’s brows lift slightly. The quiet certainty settled deeper in her chest.

There was something they weren’t telling her.

And now, more than ever, she wanted to uncover it.

With steady steps, she carried the meal all the way toward the entrance, descending the steps without difficulty. But just as she almost reached the bottom, the faint sound of footsteps echoed behind her.

When she glanced back, she found a familiar group trailing her, the same bodyguards who had accompanied her during her outing with Aunt Lavinia. Now, once again, they had fallen into step behind her, silent and watchful.

"You don’t need to follow me," Ashley said, pausing midway down the steps as she turned slightly toward them.

"But, Young Miss, we can’t let you go out without protection," the lead bodyguard replied, stepping forward with quiet firmness. His tone was respectful, yet unwavering, making it clear that this wasn’t something they could simply agree to dismiss.

"But I’m only going to my brother’s company," Ashley said, her tone calm but firm. "There’s no need to take so many people."

She understood their concern, she truly did, but the idea of arriving with an entourage felt excessive, almost suffocating.

She wasn’t used to moving around with so many people trailing her every step, and the thought of drawing unnecessary attention at the company made her uncomfortable. More than that, having so many watchful eyes on her felt restricting, as if every action she took would be monitored.

No matter how well-intentioned they were, it still felt like being followed... and observed.

And she didn’t like it.

"Young Miss..." the lead bodyguard said, his expression turning slightly helpless, caught between his duty and her clear reluctance.

Ashley could see the dilemma written plainly on the guard’s face. This was their duty, and her refusal only placed them in an impossible position. Letting out a quiet breath, she shifted her gaze upward to where Aunt Lavinia stood at the top of the steps, composed as ever.

If anyone could decide this, it would be her.

"Aunt Lavinia," Ashley called, her tone respectful but steady. "I’m not going anywhere else today, just to my brother’s company. Do they really need to follow me?"

She paused, choosing her words carefully. "I don’t want to draw attention. If I walk in with a group of bodyguards, the employees will watch my every move. They might think I’m some pampered princess... or worse, form a bad impression of me before my brother even formally introduces me."

Her reasoning was simple, but grounded.

Right now, she was still unknown, someone without a defined place in their world. Showing up with an entourage would only make her stand out for the wrong reasons, inviting assumptions and whispers that could reflect poorly not only on her but on the family as well.

"I’d rather keep things low-key for now," she added quietly. "I just want to see his working environment."

As for how she would introduce herself at the reception... that, she decided, she could figure out along the way.