Vanya hesitated for a moment, her expression softening, as if she were stepping onto fragile ground.

"That… is something only he can tell you, my dear," she said gently, her tone calm but full of meaning. "What I can say is that no one shuts themselves off like that without a reason."

The kitchen fell silent for a few seconds, until the butler walked in holding his phone.

"Vanya, I've made a list of what's missing from the pantry. I'll take care of a few of Mr. Liam's orders and then stop