8:11 PM
·········
The Mutts' residence towered under the night sky, lights so bright they eroded any trace of darkness. For a moment, one could forget it was even night. Trees, professionally trimmed to perfection, stood in disciplined silence, branches pointing nowhere else but up. Near the car park, the pool shimmered, lights beneath the water creating a dreamlike world. No — it didn't look like a mansion; it was far larger, far better, and built to the highest standard.
Inside, the sitting room carried a somber banquet. A melancholy melody dripped through the air, setting the mood. A team of butlers navigated the room, offering drinks that glinted in everyone's hands.
While in the chapel a notice came out that abanquet was to be thrown in the name of Elod Mutt, an occasion that would bring together alot of people.And after one day the burial would commence.
"He was a good man!"
"Unbelievable… he died without any sickness!"
"Just goes to show how precious life is!"
"So sorry for your loss."
Conversations floated, thick with sympathy. The casket remained in place, awaiting the burial in two days. The family manager noted,
"All the business partners from across the globe wanted to pay their last respects. After all, he was one of the wealthiest individuals alive."
Ross stood in the kitchen room with Linward, the butler, a stack of papers in one hand, a glass of wine in the other. His eyes were fixed on Marie, deep in conversation. Protective instincts flared. Like a lion protects its cab. *I just have to take this second to salute brothers who protect their younger sisters from the dangers crawling in the streets.*
The last time they met, the siblings hadn't parted on good terms — a situation that left the bond between them frayed, almost dissolving what love remained.
"Should I call her, Young Master?" Linward asked.
Ross hesitated, dreading the confrontation. For a second he considered retreating, but a man must do what a man must do.
"Yes… tell her the secret code. That way you won't draw attention. It's highly likely some of their people are here, checking on us," he said, sipping his eleventh glass. Normally seven would have numbed him, but tonight… tonight the drink did nothing for the resilient ache in his chest.
"Where's being numb when you need it!" he muttered as he chugged it down.
Linward walked to a drawer of glass tumblers, poured wine into two, and carried them with a vertical precision worthy of any movie butler.
"He provided all the records?" the man with Marie inquired, eyes lit with curiosity.
"Yeah, everything. Without him, we wouldn'tve put that son of a bitch behind bars."
She took a sip, emptying the glass, disturbed by the heartfelt confession. Both tried silently to numb themselves, but the weight of the night clung to their bones.
"Oooh God… you're exactly as people say!" he admitted, eyes glowing as if he had stumbled upon an idol. The irony wasn't lost — instead of impressing her, she outclassed him with tales of past deeds.
Linward appeared beside them, diligent and loyal.
"Would you like another drink, Madam?" he asked, British accent precise.
Marie reached for a fresh glass, leaving the empty one behind.
"Do you think it's safe to be drinking that much?" The man called out.
"Who do you think you are advising me…? You're not my father!" she drankly mocked, a subtle mix of laughter and tears escaping her, taking a halfway sip.
"Madam, tomorrow is Tuesday," Linward said carefully, his voice the code Ross had requested.
Marie's eyes lit up, hair bristling as if electrified. For a moment, she felt awakened. On the other side, her conversation partner froze — puzzled.
"I'm going to the bathroom!" she suddenly declared, rising swiftly and replacing her glass. She walked to the kitchen like a child who had lost control.
...
"All right… what's the emergency you want me to clean up for you?" Marie teased, hands on his waist, sarcasm dripping.
"You assume every time I call, I need something from you!" he shot back. he took a sip, trembling, dramatic stammers catching on his lips.
"Yes! That's what you've been doing to me since I became old enough to be a pawn in your little games!"
Ross looked nervously to the side, eyes heavy with sleep and tension.
"Not this again!" he whined.
"I only did it once," he added, voice sharp, "and that was to save your ass from being expelled after you sabotaged the kitchen lady!"
Ross's veins bulged as he defended himself.
"That doesn't even explain using your sister like some sort of minion!" she yelled, tension peaking, tears sliding down her cheeks, nose reddened and sizzling from crying.
"You know, Ross… my friends never forgave me. Haven't talked to them in years!" she added, voice cracking. The heartbreak in her eyes cut deeper than any insult.
Ross's head twitched nervously toward her, heart pounding ash in his chest. If it were old times, they'd have fought until one gave up. But tonight… tonight he had to rise above. Be the man his father had wanted him to be.
"For the hundredth time… I'm sorry!" he said, eyes wide, a puppy hoping for mercy.
Silence stretched between them. Only the soft sound of her sniffles remained — deleted emotions lingering in the air. Yet every shout mattered, every word pulled some emotional weight from their shared history.
"Ahm," she rubbed her tears, reconciliation in small movements.
"Just tell me what you want," she said finally.
Ross extended the papers to Marie. Her eyes scanned them with the focus of a judge reviewing witness testimony.
"What's this?" she asked, lifting the first sheet.
"Some loans Dad had. Check if they're legitimate."
"His account numbers?"
"Yeah,All of them."
Marie's gaze sharpened, scanning names, signatures, seals — anything that could be forged. She murmured thoughtfully.
"These are huge numbers… but they seem legit."
"Shit," Ross muttered, unease rising. He shifted nervously, ready to fling a nearby glass if he dared.
" it's not like you to get worked up,what's so special about them?"
"Five companies are using them to take over Dad's businesses. All of them."
Marie's eyes widened. Hands trembled. Heart thumped like it wanted to escape her chest. The world had just tilted on its axis, and neither of them had anticipated this.