Dinner eventually came to a natural close.
Plates had been mostly cleared, conversations had slowed, and the quiet sense of a long evening settling in had begun to take over the room. No one seemed particularly eager to prolong things, especially after the day everyone had already had.
Alexander was the first to rise from his seat.
He pushed his chair back slightly and wiped his hands with the napkin before setting it beside his plate.
“I have a few things to take care of at the office,” he said calmly, glancing around the table. “Some work I need to finish.”
Faye nodded lightly from her seat.
“See you later,” she said with a small smile.
Alexander gave a quiet hum that might have been agreement before stepping away from the table.
Faye watched him disappear through the doorway bef
