Aron's smile lingered, but his eyes told a different story. Something was breaking behind them, a coldness seeping in as his patience finally cracked. He turned to Esme, his voice surprisingly polite, but there was an edge to it that sent a chill down her spine. "Madam?" he said, and for a moment, Esme's heart skipped a beat. She knew this calm tone meant he was at his limit.
"Yes?" she responded, her voice steady, though inside she braced herself.
"May I ask for a 15-minute break, please?"
She hesitated, sensing the storm that was about to break, but nodded. "Yes, Aron."
Aron then turned to his brothers. "Masters, can I take a 15-minute break?" His smile remained, but it had grown too tight, too forced, leaving the Aron brothers no choice but to nod quickly in agreement.
