The laundry room of the mansion was located in the basement, a stark contrast to the gilt-and-velvet excess of the upper floors. It was a utilitarian space of concrete floors, humming machines, and the cloying scent of industrial detergent.To Elion, it was paradise.It was the only room in the house that didn't feel like a stage set. It felt real. It felt like a Tuesday.He stood in front of a row of six washing machines, clutching a basket of dirty clothes. He was wearing his glasses, his hair was unstyled, and he was staring at the settings dial with the intensity of a bomb defusal expert."Cold wash," a voice said from the doorway. "Delicate cycle. Low spin."Elion didn't turn around. He recognized the cadence. He recognized the calm, unauthorized authority."I know how to do laundry, Cale," Elion said. "I've been washing my own clothes since I was twelve.""I know," Cale said, walking into the room. He set his own small basket on the folding table. "But you're holding a cashmere
Last Updated : 2025-12-16 Read more