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Chapter 12 - chapter 12

An Unexpected Visit

The morning sun filtered through the mansion's large kitchen windows, casting warm streaks of light across the marble countertops. Elena stood at the center, sleeves rolled up, hair tied loosely, as she carefully diced fresh vegetables. The rhythmic sound of the knife against the chopping board echoed softly through the spacious room.

Around her, the household staff froze in disbelief. Mina, the young maid, gawked from behind the pantry door, while Edgar, the butler, pretended to straighten cutlery but couldn't hide his curious glances. Even the usually unflappable chef stood awkwardly to the side, unsure whether to offer help or simply observe this unexpected scene.

"Madam… are you… cooking?" Mina finally asked, her voice hesitant, filled with shock.

Elena glanced up, smiling lightly. "Yes, Mina. Is that so surprising?"

The maid flushed, stammering, "It's just… Madam Elena you always said the kitchen wasn't a place for someone of your… standing. You… you didn't like the smell of oil or…"

Elena laughed softly, turning back to her work. "Well, people change, don't they? Besides, I like my food made with a little effort and a lot of heart."

Word spread through the mansion like wildfire. By the time Elena finished preparing a simple yet elegant meal—grilled herb chicken, steamed vegetables, and fresh strawberry tarts—half the staff had peeked into the kitchen, whispering in shock at the sight of their lady cooking with ease and grace.

Carefully packing the meal into insulated containers, Elena added a handwritten note before heading to the garage. Oliver, the driver, was already waiting by the car, holding the door open, trying his best to mask his amusement.

"Where to Madam?" he asked.

"To the Hart Corporation," Aria said, her smile playful. "Let's see if the ice king knows how to appreciate a home-cooked meal from his lovely wife."

---

The lobby of Hart Corporation was a testament to modern luxury—high ceilings, glass panels, and polished stone floors. Elena walked in, carrying the food, her heels clicking softly against the tiles. The moment she approached the reception desk, a smartly dressed young clerk looked up with a professional smile.

"Good day, Madam. May I assist you?"

"I'm here to see Mr. Hart," Elena replied politely.

The clerk's smile stiffened slightly. "Do you have an appointment?"

Aria shook her head. "No, but it's important."

The clerk's polite tone remained unchanged. "I'm sorry, Madam. Without an appointment, I can't let you upstairs. Mr. Hart has a full schedule today. Perhaps you could leave a message or request through his assistant?"

Aria glanced around the pristine lobby. She wasn't angry—only mildly amused. Standing off to the side, she pulled out her phone and sent a short message:

"I'm downstairs in the lobby with something for you. It's important."

---

In his office on the top floor, Sebastian was mid-discussion with Mason when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, surprise flashing briefly across his sharp features.

"Elena's downstairs?" he muttered.

Mason looked up from his tablet, eyebrow raised. "Should I have security escort her out or…?"

Sebastian shook his head, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "No. Go down and escort her up."

Mason blinked in surprise but quickly regained composure. "Right away, sir."

---

Downstairs, Elena waited patiently, occasionally checking her phone. When Mason approached, dressed crisply in a tailored suit, the receptionists straightened up in their seats.

"Madam Elena," Mason greeted, his tone polite with a hint of curiosity, "Mr. Hart is expecting you now. Please, follow me."

Elena smiled, tilting her head playfully toward the flustered clerk. "Thank you," she said smoothly before walking confidently toward the private elevators.

As the doors closed behind them, Mason glanced sideways, unable to hide his intrigue. "If I may say, Madam, this is… quite the surprise."

Elena's smile didn't falter. "Surprises make life interesting, don't they, Mason?"

As the elevator ascended toward the top floor, Aria knew this small gesture was only the beginning of breaking through the cold walls surrounding Sebastian's heart.

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