The atmosphere in the Living Room was exceptionally relaxed, as if the people meeting were not political rivals who held deep grievances against each other, but old friends reunited after many years.
The room was quiet. The aged dark furniture and heavy curtains seemed to swallow even the light from outside, leaving only the occasional crackle of burning logs in the fireplace.
Stella Piquery stood at the door and cautiously peeked inside. Her aunt was sitting leisurely on the sofa, her favorite blanket draped over her knees, a steaming cup of honey tea cradled in her hands.
Chairman Hawthorne sat on another sofa, looking calm. Ezra Hughes stood beside the fireplace, gazing up at the Photos on the wall.
—Both sides were calm. They had not started arguing the moment they met, much less come to blows.
Stella quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Carrying a silver tray, she tiptoed inside and placed two steaming cups of black tea before Hawthorne and Hughes.
"Please, Mr. Hawthorne, Uncle Ezra," Stella said softly.
"Thank you," Hawthorne replied gently.
Although Hughes was in a foul mood because of Lila, he still forced a smile when he looked at the innocent girl.
Stella's parents had both worked in Congress. When she was little, they often brought her to the office, and she would run all over the Congress headquarters. Sweet-tongued and adorable, she had been beloved by everyone.
At some point, the girl who had once dared to draw a mustache on his face had also begun wearing such a cautious expression.
Just as Hughes was about to say something, Stella suddenly frowned. Her body turned slightly toward the door, and beneath her nervousness was a faint trace of disgust.
Hughes froze and looked over.
Hurried footsteps came from the doorway.
Two wizards in