A sleek black SUV stopped before a big black gate. Two other cars stopped behind it. A security guard walked towards the driver side and bent his head to come face to face with the window that came down to reveal a grim faced man.
The man handed him a printed invitation card and the guard accepted it, glanced through it and nodded his head. The guard straightened up and yelled at the other guard to open the gate.
"Those two cars behind are with us."
The grim faced man said before driving into the property. The car was parked in the spacious parking lot along with the other two.
The men with strong builds quickly got down from their respective cars and ran towards the one in between. The back doors were opened and two figures stepped out.
"I have a feeling that this place looks familiar."
Kyle pointed out. He had seen this place before but where?
"Whether it looks familiar or not has nothing to do with what we came here for."
Esmeralda walked away from the car and towards the entrance of the white mansion. It was huge and almost similar to theirs.
Kyle followed behind and examined the huge property. Everything screamed luxury but it gave off a warm vibe like a family home. With a knock on the door, they were greeted with a smile.
"Auntie!"
The little panda exclaimed and hugged Esmeralda's legs tightly. The joy he felt by just seeing her was so heart warming.
Esmeralda froze. She didn't expect the little panda to be this happy to see her. Getting on her knees she stared at the little boy who grinned from ear to ear.
"Happy birthday."
She said in a calm and gentle voice.
"Thank you auntie."
The little boy noticed another presence besides them and tilted his head to look at the tall man who stood there watching them with an amused expression.
"Hello uncle. Are you auntie's friend?"
The curious little boy asked.
"No I'm-"
He was caught off by the sound of someone clearing their throat. He turned to look at his sister who shook her head at him. He knew what she meant and he smiled and turned back to the little boy and answered
"Yes I'm her friend."
"I'm Ezekiel."
The boy brought out his hand for an handshake and Kyle accepted it.
"Kyle."
"OK. Come in."
The little boy ushered them in and dragged them all the way to the garden where the party was being held.
Kyle didn't get a chance to look around the house as he was being dragged like a sack of potatoes. He was surprised at the little boy's strength.
"Is this your house?"
Kyle asked. His curiosity got the best of him. Ever since he stepped into the property he couldn't help but feel he has seen this place before.
"No it's my grandparents house."
They arrived at the garden and it was bustling with activities. Children playing with each other and adults in groups talking to one another.
"Are these your friends?"
Kyle gestured towards the children running around.
"Only two of them. The rest are my cousins."
Esmeralda frowned at the little boy's statement. It seemed like the party was only meant for close relatives. But why did the boy invite her when they were strangers to each other?
"Kyle sensed the question from Esmeralda's expression and asked the little boy
"This looks like a party meant for your family. Why did you invite us?"
"Cause you're like family to me."
The little boy's answer shocked the siblings. What was this? Were they related to this boy by chance? Or were they his long lost relatives?
"Daddy, uncle Mo look who came."
The little boy shouted to gain the attention of two men talking to each other with their backs facing them. They both turned and a look of surprise and confusion were visible on their faces.
"Daddy, uncle Mo, meet auntie Snow White and uncle Kyle. And auntie Snow and uncle Kyle meet my daddy Jake and uncle Timothy."
The boy introduced the two parties to each other oblivious to the shocked gazes of his father and uncle. They were surprised at the little boy. How did he know the business magnate who ruled the business world currently? And where did he meet this woman? Timothy was not surprised to see Esmeralda but what surprised him was Kyle.
On the other hand, the Accardi siblings were looking at the Stone siblings with a blank expression on their faces. Kyle masked his shocked expression quickly to avoid gaping at the two men in front of him. Now he knew why the place looked so familiar. They were in the Stone's territory. He never expected the little panda to be a Stone. Now he looked at the boy carefully he noticed the similarities.
Esmeralda had on her famous blank expression from the beginning. She didn't care about the men in front of her and her brother who she knew was gaping like a fish in the inside. She's heard of the Stone Empire but didn't delve deeper into the information despite both empire fighting for dominance. She heard that the stone brothers were triplet and with two of them standing in front of her she could say what she heard was true. But why did their faces remind her of someone?
The brothers snapped out of their shocked gaze and recollected themselves before stretching out their hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Accardi."
The older stone brother said.
"Likewise Mr Stone."
Kyle replied. He shook the older and younger stone's hand with a firm grip.
"I believe we've met before miss."
The younger stone brother said. How could he forget the woman who saved him from being beheaded by his brother!
Esmeralda nodded her head at him and averted her gaze.
The stone brothers looked at each other and communicated silently. They realise she wasn't an outspoken woman and her behavior reminded her of someone who was yet to attend the party.
"Daddy."
The little boy's voice called out.
"Yes?"
"Where's uncle D?"
The little boy asked. His favourite uncle was not here when he needed him at the moment.
"He's on his way."