Noah and Adam spent the remainder of the evening immersed in the peculiar but surprisingly warm atmosphere of the Reynolds household.
It was only when the sky began to get dark that they finally prepared to make their departure back to Adam's private mansion.
Esther and Xavier insisted on escorting the couple all the way to their waiting vehicle.
Just as Noah was about to reach for the door handle, Esther stepped forward with a sudden movement.
She reached into her silk robe and produced a thick, sealed file, pressing it firmly into Noah's hands before he could even process what was happening.
"This is my gift to you as your mother in law," Esther said, her voice filled with a rare, soft sincerity. "Thank you so much for marrying into our family, Noah. We are truly happy to have you."
Noah's first instinct was to pull his hands away as if the file were made of hot coals.
He immediately tried to reject the offering, pushing the sealed envelope back toward her.
