177) Polite Smiles, Silent Storms
The front door clicked open, and Wil stepped aside like a gentleman, letting Akiko enter first.
She carried herself with poise, her figure dressed simply yet elegantly.
But the moment she stepped into the living room, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere, like a ripple in still water.
Scarlet sat calmly on one side of the couch, casual as always, watching a television drama, while Luoyang reclined nearby, a pillow supporting her lower back and her hand gently resting on her swollen belly, although her attention was mostly on the smartphone.
They stopped their work and looked to the door as it opened, and Akiko entered.
Akiko gave a respectful, formal bow to Scarlet. "Mrs. Quilton."
Scarlet nodded with a smile. "Welcome, Miss Akiko."
Akiko then turned to Luoyang, offering her a lighter bow. "Luoyang-san."
