The hours ticked by, and the landscape outside their windows changed. They passed through bustling towns and picturesque countryside, the scenery providing a pleasant distraction from the monotony of the drive.
Finally, after more than two hours of driving, they caught sight of their hometown on the horizon. Liam and his siblings exchanged excited glances, knowing they were almost home.
As they entered the city limits, Rex expertly navigated the familiar streets. They passed by landmarks and neighborhoods they knew well, the sense of familiarity comforting after their long journey.
At last, they pulled into their driveway, the car coming to a stop in front of their house. Liam and his siblings breathed a collective sigh of relief, happy to have arrived home safely and without incident.
They piled out of the car, stretching their limbs and taking deep breaths of the fresh air. It was good to be home.
Emma and Liam got out of the car, stretching their limbs after the long drive. Rex, meanwhile, took the car to the garage, expertly maneuvering it into its designated parking spot. He then proceeded to secure the vehicle, locking it up for the night.
The trio made their way to the entrance of their mansion, a grand structure that loomed before them. They pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside, the warm glow of the interior lighting enveloping them.
As they entered, they were greeted by the opulent decor of their home. The high ceilings, marble floors, and lavish furnishings all contributed to an atmosphere of luxury and refinement. Emma and Liam couldn't help but feel grateful for this comfortable haven.
The siblings made their way upstairs, their footsteps echoing off the walls. They trudged wearily to their respective rooms, eager to freshen up after their long drive. A quick wash and change of clothes would work wonders for their tired bodies and minds.
Given the long hours they had spent on the road, time was of the essence. They had to rush through their washing and dressing, as dinner would be served soon. The siblings quickly got to work, washing off the fatigue of their journey.
The siblings hastened through their bath. They changed into fresh clothes, feeling revitalized and refreshed.
The trio; Liam, Rex, and Emma, made their way to the dining room, arriving almost simultaneously, as if their entrance had been carefully choreographed. They walked into the elegantly furnished room, the soft glow of the chandelier above the dining table casting a warm ambiance.
As they approached the table, they spotted Alex, their older brother, already seated, his eyes fixed intently on them. His expression was calm and collected, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes, betraying his otherwise stoic demeanor.
Liam, Rex, and Emma exchanged quiet greetings with Alex, who responded with a nod and a slight smile. They took their seats around the table, the soft scrape of chairs against the floor filling the momentary silence.
Alex, ever the observant older brother, asked his siblings about their day, his tone casual but genuinely interested. Rex and Emma responded enthusiastically, sharing stories and anecdotes from their day. Liam, however, remained uncharacteristically quiet, his silence not going unnoticed by Alex.
Alex's gaze lingered on Liam, a knowing glint in his eye. He was aware of the reason behind Liam's silence, and a faint smile played on his lips. It was clear that Alex was the cause of Liam's unease, and he seemed to be savoring the knowledge. With a subtle nod, Alex signaled the maids to begin serving the meal, his gesture authoritative.
The maids, attired in their crisp uniforms, sprang into action, their movements fluid and practiced. Under the watchful eye of the butler, they meticulously served the meal, each dish carefully arranged on the table. The savory aromas wafting from the plates tantalized the trio's taste buds, and they waited with anticipation for the meal to begin.
As the maids finished serving, Alex nodded in approval, his expression satisfied. The butler, standing discreetly at the edge of the room, bowed slightly, his eyes gleaming with pride. The stage was set for a delightful dinner, and the siblings were ready to indulge in the culinary delights before them.
As the meal progressed, the conversation flowed easily, with Rex and Emma chatting animatedly about their day. Liam listened intently, his mind occasionally wandering to thoughts of his own. The atmosphere in the room was warm and convivial, the soft glow of the chandelier above the table casting a welcoming ambiance.
Midway through the meal, Alex placed his cutlery on a side plate, his movements deliberate and calculated. He then cleaned his mouth with a tissue, his eyes locked on his siblings as he prepared to speak.
"I have something to say to you," Alex announced, his voice steady and clear. "You don't have to stop eating, you can listen while you eat." Despite his instructions, the siblings stopped eating, their attention drawn to Alex as they awaited his words.
Rex and Emma looked up at Alex with curiosity, their eyes wide with anticipation. Liam, however, tensed up momentarily, his eyes flashing with a mixture of emotions.