After watching the New Year's Eve concert, life finally settled down, regardless of how the past year had gone. Everyone, weary from the day's activities, retired to their rooms amidst the sounds of fireworks.
Mr. Sterling Senior, a man of discerning taste, ensured that the villa was furnished with solid wood, free of formaldehyde, decorated in the style of ancient scholars.
"Ah! I'm utterly exhausted!" Emma Hart collapsed onto the sofa in her room in a near-paralytic state.
"You've eaten the most and sat the longest tonight; how can you, of all people, complain of tiredness?" Damien Sterling teased as he unfastened his tie.
Emma Hart glanced at Damien Sterling, who was putting on quite the display. His physique was as breathtaking as ever.
"What were you and Grandpa talking about tonight?" Emma asked.
