The low hum of an engine cut through the calm of Adrian Prescott's compound as a sleek black car rolled past the tall iron gates.
The guards barely glanced at it before letting it through. They already knew the vehicle.
It was a regular presence — loud, unannounced, and always carrying trouble.
The car came to a smooth stop in front of the wide staircase leading into the mansion. The driver's door opened, and Alex stepped out, removing his sunglasses slowly as he looked around.
"Still dramatic as ever,"
he muttered, glancing up at the towering building.
"You'd think a king lives here."
He shut the door and walked toward the entrance like he owned the place. One of the staff greeted him with a polite nod.
"Good afternoon, sir."
"Where is your boss?"
Alex asked casually.
"He's inside."
"Of course he is."
Alex walked in without waiting.
Inside, Adrian sat in the living area, flipping through something on his tablet, his posture relaxed but his face distant. He didn't look up immediately, but he already knew who it was.
"You came fast," Adrian said calmly.
Alex dropped himself into the opposite couch.
"You texted me: "They sent for me." What did you expect?
"I assumed war."
Adrian finally looked at him.
"It's not war.....Yet"
"It's your family. Same thing."
Adrian didn't respond.
Alex leaned forward, studying him.
"So they actually requested your presence?
Formally?"
"Yes."
"And the twins?"
"They asked for them too."
Alex whistled softly.
"That's not normal."
Adrian leaned back.
"They rarely call unless they want something."
"So don't go."
Adrian looked at him.
Alex shrugged.
"I'm serious. You built your own empire. You don't need their politics. Send regrets. Tell them you're busy. Problem solved."
"They wouldn't accept that."
"They don't control you."
Adrian's expression didn't change.
"They don't. But they're still my family."
Alex smirked.
"You're too responsible. I would've ignored the letter."
"You would also ruin everything in two days."
Alex grinned.
"Exactly. More peaceful."
He leaned back, stretching his arms across the couch.
"Or… better idea. We disappear this weekend."
Adrian didn't even blink. He knew where Alex was heading to.
"Just listen," Alex continued.
"Trip. Somewhere quiet. No family. No meetings. No pressure. You detox. I arrange everything."
Adrian remained silent.
Alex tilted his head.
"Women included."
Still nothing.
"You don't even react anymore. You're getting old."
Before Adrian could respond, footsteps thundered from upstairs.
"Alex!"
Lila appeared first, running down the stairs with excitement written all over her face. Her hair bounced as she hurried toward him.
Alex immediately stood up and opened his arms.
"There's my favorite troublemaker."
She ran into him, hugging him tightly.
"You came!"
"I heard you were abandoning school. I came to confirm."
She laughed. "It's just one week."
Julian walked down after her, calmer, hands in his pockets.
"Hi, Alex."
Alex released Lila and reached over, ruffling Julian's hair.
"You're getting taller."
"You always say that," Julian replied.
"Because it keeps happening."
He studied him for a moment.
"You're becoming your father."
Julian raised a brow.
"Is that bad?"
Alex leaned closer.
"Very."
Lila pushed his arm.
"Ignore him."
Then she crossed her arms dramatically.
"You promised to feature me."
Alex blinked. "Feature you?"
"In your show!"
"You haven't even auditioned."
"I don't need to audition."
Julian scoffed.
"You definitely need to audition."
She glared at him.
"You're not helping."
Alex laughed.
"What role do you even want?"
"Anything. A lead role. Or supporting. Or even cameo. I just want to start."
Adrian watched from his seat.
"You want to be an actress now?" Alex asked.
"I've always wanted to," she replied.
"You just don't take me seriously."
"I take you seriously," Alex said.
"I just don't trust your dramatic skills."
She gasped. "I'm dramatic!"
"You're loud. Different thing."
Julian chuckled.
Lila groaned and flopped onto the couch.
"I still have so much to pack."
"You started already?" Alex asked.
"Yes! I don't know what to take."
Julian sat beside her.
"Exactly what you say before taking six bags of nothing"
"I need options."
"You're going for a week."
"What if I change my mind?"
Alex leaned back.
"Take one bag."
She stared at him. "One bag?"
"Yes."
"That's impossible."
Julian nodded. "She'll take six."
"Seven," Lila corrected.
Adrian exhaled softly, finally speaking.
"You'll take two."
She turned to him instantly. "Two?"
"Yes."
She hesitated.
"Fine… but I need help."
Julian shook his head.
"I'm done packing."
"You packed already?"
"I don't need much."
Alex laughed. "Of course you don't."
Adrian looked at them.
"Do you want help?"
Julian shrugged. "I'm fine."
Then he added dryly,
"I'm a guy. I own three shirts."
Alex burst into laughter.
Lila leaned forward immediately.
"Yes. I need help."
Adrian reached for his phone and dialed.
The call connected quickly.
"Sir?"
Lily's calm voice came through.
"Come over," Adrian said.
"They need help packing."
"On my way."
He ended the call.
Alex leaned sideways, watching him.
"You run your house like a company."
Adrian ignored him.
Upstairs, Lila jumped up again.
"I need to rearrange everything!"
She ran off.
Julian followed slowly, shaking his head.
Silence settled briefly.
Alex leaned back, studying Adrian.
"So… you're really going."
"Yes."
"You never go unless something's wrong."
"That's exactly what bothers me, what could they possibly want this time?"
From upstairs, Lila's voice echoed.
"Julian! Don't touch my bag!"
Julian replied,
"You brought five already."
Alex smirked.
"This weekend will be interesting."