After our long conversation and a few drinks, Aunt Valeria seemed calmer, though her expression was still tinged with sadness. I could see the weight of her worries in her eyes, and I felt a pang of concern for her.

  “Edric… I don’t know what to do,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “Even if… even if Lock has betrayed us, he’s still Julian’s father. I can’t just… leave him.”

  I took her hands gently in mine and looked at her seriously. “Aunt, you don’t have to face this alone. You’ve carried so much responsibility for everyone around you. If you ever need help, I’ll be here.”

  Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “You… you always know what to say to make me feel better,” she murmured. “Even when I feel lost, talking to you… it gives me strength.”

  I smiled softly, trying to ease her tension. “You’ve always been strong, Aunt Valeria. You’ve built this family and this auction house with your own hands. Don’t ever doubt yourself.”

  For a moment, she looked at me with a mixture of affection and hesitation. “Edric… you’ve grown into such a thoughtful man. I… I sometimes forget that you’re still so young. And yet… you’re always so capable.”

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  I felt a warmth in my chest. “Aunt, it’s because of people like you that I’ve learned so much. You’ve always guided me, and even now, your advice… it matters more than anyone else’s.”

  She laughed softly, a sound both relieved and wistful. “You always know how to flatter me.”

  “No flattery,” I replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Only the truth.”

  Valeria’s gaze lingered on me, her expression softening. “Edric… sometimes I forget to think of myself. All my life, I’ve been worried about my son, about the auction house, about everyone else. But… seeing you here, willing to support me… it reminds me that it’s okay to care about my own happiness too.”

  I nodded. “Exactly. You don’t have to carry the world on your own shoulders, Aunt. You deserve peace and comfort, just as much as anyone else.”

  A gentle silence fell between us. I could feel the bond we shared strengthening—not as nephew and aunt, but as two people who deeply cared for each other. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, and I made sure to honor it.

  Finally, Valeria let out a soft sigh and leaned back slightly, a small smile on her lips. “Edric… thank you. Truly. For being here… for listening… for understanding.”

  “You don’t have to thank me,” I said softly. “I’ll always be here for you. No matter what happens.”

  Her eyes softened, and for a brief moment, it felt like the weight of the world had lifted from her shoulders. We sat together, not saying much, just sharing the quiet comfort of understanding and trust.

  Even after the wine was finished and the evening grew late, the warmth lingered between us. And though our hearts were heavy with uncertainty about the future, we knew that, at least for tonight, we had each other.