Lucy stood there for a while after he walked past her.
She still didn't understand what just happened.
One of the staff slowly came back.
"You should be careful," the woman said quietly.
Lucy looked at her. "Did I do something wrong?"
The woman hesitated. "Not exactly… but he doesn't like seeing staff too comfortable. Especially around people he brings in."
Lucy frowned. "I wasn't doing anything bad. We were just eating."
"I know," the woman replied. "But things are different here."
Lucy looked toward the house again.
Different.
She was starting to understand that word too well.
She went back inside slowly.
The house felt quieter than before.
Even her footsteps sounded louder.
When she entered the living area, she saw him.
Adrian was seated, going through some documents like nothing had happened.
He didn't look up immediately.
Lucy stood there, unsure if she should walk away or say something.
After a few seconds, she spoke.
"Why did everyone leave?"
He didn't answer at once.
He turned a page, calm and focused.
"They have work," he said.
Lucy didn't move.
"That's not why," she replied.
Now he looked at her.
His eyes steady.
Lucy swallowed but didn't look away.
"They were scared," she added.
Silence.
Then he leaned back slightly.
"They shouldn't be wasting time," he said.
Lucy let out a small breath.
"So sitting and eating is wasting time?"
He studied her for a second.
"You seem comfortable already," he said.
That wasn't an answer.
Lucy folded her arms slightly.
"I'm just trying to act normal," she said. "Or is that not allowed here?"
His expression didn't change.
"You can do what you want," he said. "As long as it doesn't create problems."
Lucy shook her head.
"I don't even know what counts as a problem here."
He didn't reply.
That silence again.
Heavy.
Controlled.
Lucy sighed and looked away.
"Next time I'll just eat alone," she muttered.
"You don't have to," he said.
That made her look back at him.
"What?"
He closed the file in his hand.
"I said you don't have to."
Lucy blinked.
That was not what she expected.
"Then why did they all run like that?" she asked.
"That's their choice," he replied.
"It didn't look like a choice."
He stood up.
Now the difference in height, presence, everything felt stronger.
"They know how things work here," he said.
Lucy held his gaze.
"And I don't."
A small pause.
Then he spoke again.
"You'll learn."
Lucy didn't like that answer.
But she didn't push.
Not this time.
She looked down at her hands.
Then back at him.
"I wasn't trying to disrespect anything," she said quietly.
"I know."
She froze.
Just for a second.
That reply came too easily.
Too quickly.
Lucy studied his face, trying to read him.
But there was nothing clear there.
Nothing she could hold onto.
"Then why does it feel like I'm doing everything wrong?" she asked.
He didn't answer.
Instead, he walked past her.
"Eat properly next time," he said.
Lucy frowned slightly.
"What does that even mean?"
He stopped near the stairs.
Then turned his head just a little.
"Don't rush. You almost choked."
Lucy's eyes widened.
"You saw that?"
A small pause.
Then he continued walking.
"No one here is going to help you if you're careless."
Lucy stood there.
Confused again.
Was that a warning?
Or concern?
She couldn't tell.