The drive to the mansion was filled with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. Alaric sat in the passenger seat of the luxury car, his mind focused on the task at hand, while Maria drove, her expression a blend of curiosity and disbelief. Lucy, seated in the back, was wide-eyed with excitement, her youthful energy infecting the otherwise solemn atmosphere.
"This place must be huge," Lucy said, leaning forward to get a better view as they approached their destination. "I can't believe Dad never told us about it!"
Maria managed a small smile, though her thoughts were still muddled with the weight of everything that had transpired. "Yes, it's… hard to believe. But it seems your father had many surprises."
