Evan blinked, looking up at Damian's tall figure with a slight flutter in his chest. "Uh, are you…?"
"Damian." The low, calm voice left no room for doubt.
Evan felt a little nervous, his heartbeat quickening, but couldn't help adding a playful note to his voice. "So, you're the famous Mr. Damian. Never expected you'd personally stick around to watch me check up on your cats."
Damian raised an eyebrow, his gaze still cold, but with a hint of subtle curiosity. "Few people can calm them the way you have. Even Leo seems less resistant around you."
Evan chuckled, giving a light-hearted shrug. "Well, when it comes to animals, I always give my best. Your cats are precious here, so if I slipped up, you probably wouldn't let it slide, right?"
Damian's lips curved slightly, barely a smile. "You're rather confident."
"Occupational habit," Evan replied, his gaze softening as he looked over at Leo. "Leo does seem a bit uncomfortable. Like I mentioned, it's likely due to the seasonal shift."
Damian nodded and leaned down to gently stroke Leo's head, his tone softening. "Is that so? I suppose I have been neglectful." He paused briefly before saying casually, "In that case, why don't you stay here with them for a while from now on."
Evan blinked, shaking his head with a polite but firm refusal. "Mr. Damian, as much as I enjoy being around these little ones, I have my own work. There are a lot of other animals waiting for me back at the clinic in town. I can't stay here indefinitely."
Damian's brows furrowed, surprised by Evan's response. It was rare for anyone to turn down his offer, especially one so enticing. He paused, a flash of astonishment in his eyes before his calm expression returned.
"Do you realize," he began, his tone calm yet with an undeniable authority, "I can provide you with conditions far better than what you currently have. Not only would you stay here, but you'd have access to any resources you need."
Evan listened, unable to hide a faint smile of helplessness as he shook his head. "I'm very grateful for the offer and know that most people would find it irresistible. But honestly, I really enjoy my life and work as it is now. Staying here would make me feel distant from the furry friends at my clinic."
Damian was silent for a moment, seemingly processing his answer. Then he slowly straightened, his face regaining its usual cold demeanor, though his gaze held a trace of intrigue.
"Interesting." His voice held a slight, unreadable edge. "You're different, Evan. Very well, if you're not ready to stay just yet, I'll leave it to you. But if you ever need assistance, feel free to reach out to Lucas."
With that, Damian waved Lucas over. Evan felt the man's quiet authority and couldn't help but feel a bit awed, but he nodded firmly nonetheless.
"Thank you for understanding, Mr. Damian." Evan smiled. "I'm glad to help your pets, and I hope we'll have more chances to work together in the future."
Damian merely nodded and turned to leave. Yet, just before exiting the room, he paused, casting Evan a long, lingering look.
Once Damian left, Evan finally exhaled, his tension easing. Though Damian hadn't shown any particular arrogance, and even displayed warmth toward his cats, there was an invisible aura that made Evan feel slightly tense. As if one glance from Damian could shift his entire breath.
After he relaxed a bit, Evan glanced around at the cats again. Each cat lounged peacefully in its territory, either lazily dozing or gazing at him with wide, curious eyes, as if still wary of this "unfamiliar vet." Evan smiled to himself, giving a little wave as he concluded his "feline inspection" and prepared to head back when Lucas gave a soft cough behind him.
"Mr. Evan, if you could wait a moment," Lucas spoke calmly, with his usual courtesy and a hint of humor, "you haven't checked on Mr. Damian's dogs yet."
"Ah—right! Almost forgot!" Evan paused, giving himself a light tap on the head with a sheepish grin. Then, he chuckled, murmuring to himself, "Someone like Mr. Damian wouldn't only have cats, would he? All right, let's see the dogs."
Following Lucas, Evan left the cat room and entered a long corridor lined with thick carpets. The walls were adorned with beautiful paintings, as if a nameless artist had created an exclusive collection for the estate. Each painting depicted vibrant natural scenery: rolling mountains, lakes at sunset, and potted plants in the corners filled the air with a calming fragrance.
They walked a short distance, passing a gently curving hallway, arriving at another heavy door. Lucas opened it, revealing a spacious, welcoming room—the dogs' dedicated playroom. The room's design contrasted with the cat room: it was more open, with slip-resistant wood floors and a variety of toys and exercise equipment for the dogs. Large, cushioned beds were neatly arranged in each corner, each piled with thick blankets. The walls displayed huge photographs of dogs caught mid-motion or enjoying a sunset, each photo bursting with life and energy.
One side of the room even featured a pool and shower area, a sort of "dog spa" tailored just for them. Evan took in the sight, remarking, "What a luxurious pet room! Mr. Damian's dogs are definitely fortunate."
As if on cue, several dogs bounded over to him. A lively Border Collie was the first to jump up, circling around Evan and occasionally sniffing his hand curiously, its tail wagging like a fan. Right behind it was a Labrador with soft, shiny fur and gentle eyes that nudged his leg, as if in greeting.
Further back, a German Shepherd stood watchfully, lifting its head slightly and observing Evan as if sizing up the "new vet."
In addition to the playful Border Collie and the Labrador, the room hosted a variety of other dogs: a Welsh Corgi, a French Bulldog, a Husky…all with distinct personalities, from lively to lazy. But the dog that caught Evan's eye the most was the Golden Retriever—a large, noble-looking one that stood quietly in the corner, exuding a presence that was impossible to ignore.