Arnold offered a piece of steak to William, who in return, playfully nudged a morsel into his father's mouth. Two of them were having a good time.
From time to time, William would act childishly, pouting and whining for Arnold to serve him more food.
Kane, who was sitting next to him, ate his meal in silence, exuding an icy demeanor akin to Leopold. Both of them were aloof and distant. Their stoic personalities didn't allow for the warmth and intimacy Arnold and William shared, let alone any playful banter.
Aurelia sighed inwardly. William had always been the apple of Arnold's eye, basking in his father's unconditional love and care. Even if there came a day when he discovered his true parentage, Aurelia doubted he would ever grow close to Leopold.
After all, Leopold's reserved expressions of fatherly love might be difficult for William to handle.
Aurelia’s gaze wandered across the lights and the bustling crowd, finally resting upon the rocks in the distance.
A woman, clad in a long, red gown stood atop the rocky terrain. As she slowly turned around, the moonlight cast a pallid glow on her beautiful face. Aurelia felt a pang of familiarity, as if she had seen her somewhere before.
Suddenly, an old photograph flashed in her mind, followed by a rush of panic. Her hand shook and the spoon in her hand scraped the bottom of the bowl with a sharp, ear-piercing sound.
The surrounding diners were too engrossed in their meals to notice. Only Leopold, sitting next to her, noticed her distress. However, he didn't probe further and instead, served her a piece of lobster.
"Your favorite, lobster thermidor. Give it a taste, will you?" he suggested.
Aurelia gulped down her rising fear, her heart pounding in her chest. She picked up the piece of lobster and popped it into her mouth, "It's... delicious."
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