Lucas's eyes locked onto Catarina's, and he could see the worry and concern etched on her face. He knew he had to tread carefully, to downplay the situation and avoid revealing the true extent of their financial situation.
"It's not a big deal, sis. We'll figure it out," he said, trying to sound reassuring. But Catarina's expression told him that she wasn't buying it. She looked like she was on the verge of demanding more information, and Lucas knew he had to think fast to deflect her questions. "Hey, let's not worry about it right now. We're home, and we can talk about it later," he said, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. He hoped that by changing the subject, he could avoid revealing the truth about their financial situation and the fact that they owned the house outright.
Catarina's eyes narrowed, and she looked like she was about to press the issue, but then she seemed to think better of it.
"Fine," she said, her voice tight.
"But we will talk about this later, Lucas." Lucas nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew he had dodged a bullet, at least for the time being. He opened the car door and stepped out, gesturing for Catarina and the children to follow him. "Welcome home, everyone," he said, trying to sound cheerful. "Let's get settled in and then we can talk about dinner." Catarina shot him a skeptical look, but she said nothing, simply following him into the house with the children in tow. Lucas couldn't help but feel like he was walking on eggshells, waiting for the other shoe to drop. He knew he couldn't keep the truth from Catarina forever, but for now, he was determined to keep the peace and avoid any more confrontations.
Catarina's eyes scanned the interior of the house, taking in the luxurious decor and furnishings. She looked like she was trying to process everything, and Lucas could tell that she was still reeling from their earlier conversation. He decided to give her some space, and instead focused on helping the children get settled in. "Hey, kids, why don't you go explore the house and find your rooms?" he suggested, trying to sound cheerful. The children nodded and took off, excitedly chattering to each other as they explored their new surroundings. Lucas watched them go, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he still had to deal with Catarina, but for now, he was just happy to have a moment's peace.
As the children disappeared into the depths of the house, Lucas turned his attention back to Catarina. She was still standing in the foyer, her eyes fixed on him with a mixture of concern and suspicion. Lucas knew that he had to tread carefully, to reassure her without revealing too much.
"Hey, sis, why don't we get you settled in?" he suggested, trying to sound casual.
"I'll show you to your room and you can freshen up. We can talk more later, okay?" Catarina's expression didn't change, but she nodded slightly, seeming to accept his suggestion. Lucas led her up the stairs, pointing out various rooms and features of the house as they went. Catarina listened intently, her eyes taking in every detail, but she said nothing. Lucas couldn't help but feel like he was walking on eggshells, waiting for her to ask the questions he knew were coming. As they reached the top of the stairs, Lucas gestured to a door at the end of the hall. "This is your room," he said, smiling. "You can take some time to get settled in, and then we'll meet up for dinner, okay?" Catarina nodded, her eyes flicking to the door and back to Lucas. For a moment, he thought he saw a glimmer of something in her eyes - a spark of curiosity, or maybe even a hint of suspicion. But then it was gone, and she turned to enter her room, leaving Lucas to wonder what she was really thinking.
As Catarina entered her room, Lucas couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he had to keep her in the dark about their family's true financial situation, at least for the time being. He took a deep breath and headed back downstairs, hoping to find something to distract him from the tension that had been building up inside him.
As he entered the kitchen, he was greeted by the sight of his mother, busily preparing dinner. She looked up and smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
"Hey, sweetie, how's it going?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Lucas forced a smile, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his stomach.
"It's going, Mom," he replied, trying to sound casual.
"Just trying to get everything settled in."
His mother nodded, her eyes understanding.
"I know it's a lot to take in," she said.
"But we'll get through it together, as a family."
Lucas nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his mother. She always knew how to make him feel better, no matter what was going on.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, and Catarina appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of his mother and the food spread out on the counter.
"Hey, sis," Lucas said, trying to sound cheerful.
"Mom's making dinner. Why don't you join us?"
Catarina's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Lucas thought he saw a flash of anger in her eyes. But then it was gone, and she smiled, her expression neutral.
"Thanks," she said, her voice cool.
"I'll join you."
Lucas's mother smiled, her eyes welcoming.
"Great, dear. Come on in. We'll get started."
As they all sat down to eat, Lucas couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that Catarina was still suspicious, and he couldn't blame her. He just hoped that he could keep the truth from her for a little while longer.
Candy, Michael were both happy to see their daughter this is the first time eating with their daughter this was too exciting when they heard their daughter call them mom and dad at the restaurant they were far to excited. Candy spent her 100,000 dollars just to buy Catarina clothes that she would like. Candy told everyone to down play their wealth so not scare Catarina and her kids away. Apollo, Sasha, Fairy all rushed over with excitement.
"Hello!" They said greeting their grandparents for the first time.