Dylan Ashcroft, the younger Mr. Ashcroft that Minerva had referred to, was currently studying Medicine.
"Have I been too busy, Madam?" Dylan smiled.
With jet-black hair slicked back in a sleek, polished style and deep black eyes that seemed to hold a quiet intensity, this up-and-coming doctor radiated an air of sharp focus and determination.
His composed aura carried a blend of confidence and warmth, suggesting not just competence but also a genuine care for those around him. There was an unmistakable energy about him—steady, reliable, and ready to take on any challenge with grace and precision.
"I think the last time you came to such a party was the end-of-year celebration a year ago, together with Lenon and Tiffany. Though I suppose your sister is still not fond of such events?" Sabrina glanced around.
Dylan smiled a bit sadly, "She's more focused on learning about the company while Mother and Father are out of the country, taking some time off."
Jonathan Lockhart still held the reins of the company. On the other hand, Gregory Ashcroft, Dylan's paternal grandfather, had already handed over the business to Lenon Ashcroft, Dylan's father, wanting to retire early. While, Lenon had started training his daughter, Emina Ashcroft, in company matters.
Emina, just 22 years old and five years younger than Dylan, was already adamant about learning the workings of their company.
Sabrina's smile turned a bit sad as well, "I see."
Dominick cleared his throat, "Anyway, it's good to see you. But I think my son here is more eager to speak with you than we are, so we shall step away for now."
Dylan smiled, "Have a wonderful year ahead."
"You too. Good luck with the beginning of your career as a doctor; you have just finished your residency, am I correct?" Dominick asked.
Dylan nodded, "Yes, sir. Just got my license."
Dylan began his medical journey at the age of 18, completing medical school in four years, the minimum possible time. He then finished his residency in another four years and has just obtained his board certification exam.
"What are your plans regarding specializations?"
Dylan shook his head, "I am still thinking."
Dominick placed a hand on his shoulder, "Just ask us if you have any troubles. As long as we can help, we're more than willing to do so."
"Thank you, sir."
Sabrina and Dominick excused themselves.
"Look at you, all excited now. You were so bored moments ago," Dylan said to Shawn.
He was about five inches taller than Shawn.
"The same reason you approached us upon your arrival," Shawn retorted, rolling his eyes.
"How did you know I just arrived?" Dylan raised an eyebrow.
"Because I've been searching for you since we got here. This place is filled with two-faced people; it's really boring," Shawn shrugged.
Dylan chuckled, "Anyway, you still haven't told me who wrote that play of yours."
Shawn scrunched up his face, "I told you, they'll reveal themselves when they feel like it."
After Dylan's first message congratulating him and asking about the writer, he kept asking despite Shawn's answer.
"Could it be that revealing their identity would threaten their safety?" Dylan asked.
"Not exactly. They were open to handing over the story despite saying it was done by someone else. There was confidence in how they handled it, but it seemed like they weren't ready to be completely open about it," Shawn answered.
He took two glasses of juice, handing one to Dylan.
"Then it could really be someone else's work—someone who trusts them greatly," Dylan suggested.
Shawn chuckled, "Nah, the confidence wasn't in another's work but in their own."
Dylan stared at him before shaking his head. It seemed he wouldn't be able to get an answer.
The Ashcroft family business was the entertainment industry. Surrounded by various creative works since childhood, Dylan could tell that the person who created the story had real talent. It wasn't just about the plot but also the character development.
Though short, with improvement, it could become something significant.
"You really think that was a good story?" Shawn asked, noticing Dylan's thoughtful expression.
"It was. Though rough around the edges, it's a story worth investing in," Dylan replied honestly.
"Too bad there weren't any recordings. I would've shown it to my father," he added after a moment.
Since it was a simple school play, the class hadn't thought about recording it. No one was keen on keeping a record of their acting.
"Well, if they ever seriously pursue it, I might ask for your help to guide them," Shawn suggested.
"Are they your friend?" Dylan couldn't help but ask.
"Not yet, but I'll make sure to befriend them," Shawn replied confidently.
"How sure are you they'll accept your friendship?"
"Hmmm, because I'm kind?" he answered with a grin.
Dylan placed a hand on Shawn's shoulder, chuckling, "Don't rely too much on kindness. If you want to befriend someone, you have to be sincere."
Shawn looked at him with an innocent, clueless expression.
Dylan laughed, "Geez, you're too kind for your own good. People are drawn to you because of it, but how sure are you that most of them are genuine?"
Shawn thought for a moment, "Well, if they aren't, I can usually tell."
"Your instincts?" Dylan raised an eyebrow.
"My instincts are pretty spot on," Shawn said proudly.
Dylan shook his head, knowing he wouldn't be able to change Shawn's mind.
"Well, if that person accepts your friendship, come to me. Talent like that shouldn't go to waste."
Shawn nodded proudly, "Anyway, in a few months, I'll be entering university. I might need your help then."
"Coming from the child of the family that holds a lot of power over the medical field in the country?" Dylan shook his head.
"More opinions are better," Shawn replied.
Then he looked around, "By the way, I don't see your tail anywhere."
"Stop calling her that," Dylan frowned instantly.
Shawn laughed, "Even Brother Jake called her that. Miss Seraphina Frostmoor was your tail."
Then a thought struck him, "I guess Madam Minerva Morgrave really should stop worrying about others entering their field. Miss Frostmoor belongs to the family that reigns over real estate and here she is studying medicine. Even becoming your student."
Dylan shook his head, "She doesn't like these kinds of gatherings either. She even jokes about being called the black sheep of the family."