TWENTY THREE

Hade

Hade was left all alone in the assembly room after his father left. He was planning his retirement in the next few years, so he was starting to pass on all responsibilities to Hade as the next head of the entire Vandenberg clan.

He was already over forty, so he knew it's time for him to step down and live whatever remaining years he has in life. Time to let his son continue his work in court. He knows very well the depth of Hade's capabilities, and that he's assured he'll do well as a seatholder.

As Hade went over the council documents his father handed to him, he heard the door open. He turned around to expect his father or Eli, but it was Liv who entered.

"Hey," he said briefly, and then went back to whatever he was reading.

He heard the door shut close and Liv's approaching steps. He then felt a pair of hands massage his back. He looked back and tried to stop her hands. "Liv, what on earth are you doing?"

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