Ava Moreland's eyes flickered with a dark shade as she smiled awkwardly, "Of course not."
Having been entrenched in officialdom for many years, she naturally possessed a commanding presence, one that kept the cunning old hands under her in check. Yet, in the presence of this junior, she somehow always felt at a disadvantage, easily overpowered by his unspoken authority—a feeling that both alarmed and irked her.
The afternoon sun at past two o'clock was particularly scorching.
After seeing the elders off into the car, Owen Moreland turned to go back upstairs. James Carter came out from inside and called out to him, "Owen."
"Uncle," Owen greeted, his politeness tinged with detachment.
James nodded, taking a cigarette from the pack with the hand that held his own and offering it to Owen.
Owen accepted the cigarette, took out a lighter from his pocket to light it, and the two stood smoking at the entrance. The sunlight outside was close, and in no time, they were drenched in sweat.
