ront doors finally opened, and the butler–who had been standing stiffly at his post–strode out to the car, opening the passenger door with practiced formality.

    Out stepped a man and a woman, both dressed with an old–world ir: he wore a tailored suit with a vintage cut, she in a fitted dress that harkened back to the elegance of another era. Both looked to be in theirte fifties or early sixties, though the woman had clearly taken pains with her appearance–she could easily pass for early forties.

    “Does it really take this long just to open a door?” Hamilton Quincy grumbled, leaning heavily on a silver–handled cane. His face was set in stern lines, ivoice /isharp and openly displeased.

    “Can’t be too careful these days,” Alessia shot back, unfazed. “You never iknow /iwho might try to wander in. It’s best to check before opening up.”

    “Such a clever tongue for such a young girl,” Magda sniffed, her gaze cool and assessing as she lifted her chin. Her words were slow and deliberate,ced with a practiced coldness. “I’d watch that mouth, if I were you. Sooner orter, it’ll get you in trouble.”

    Alessia offered a pleasant smile, but her words were edged with steel. “People talk fast when they’re young, but some folks just love to lord their age over others. That’s a lot harder to put up with.”

    Hamilton’s eyes narrowed. “You’re Alessia?”

    “I am.” Alessia’s ivoice /iwas steady and calm–unapologetic, but not confrontational. Magda let out a dismissive little huff. “Don’t let a taste of sess go to your head, dear.” Though there was a family resemnce, Karen’s features were softer and kinder than Magda’s. For all her ssic attire, Magda exuded no warmth–only a brittle, proud aloofness.

    Alessia’s smile didn’t waver. “Funny. I thought no one in the Quincy family’s ever done anything worth bragging about.”

    Magda’s eyes shed. Alessia’s words slid off her like water, but her own barb found its mark–Magda’s lips thinned in irritation.

    “You-!” Magda’sposure cracked, but before she could fire back, Karen’s tentative voice drifted from behind Alessia.

    09:58

    “Dad… Mom…” Karen’s hands twisted together in front of her, her posture shrinking in on itself like a scolded child. Brendan stood quietly at her side.

    Magda’s scowl only deepened at the sight of her daughter, and Hamilton barely spared a nce, giving a curt, dismissive nod as he swept past.

    Karen flushed, awkwardly rolling her fingers. Years of being under their thumb had left deep grooves of anxiety; even after all this time away, the old fears hadn’t faded.

    Brendan ced a gentle hand on her back, silent but reassuring.

    “So, what brings you both over sote?” Brendan finally asked, keeping his voice polite.

    Hamilton rapped his cane on the tiles, barely containing his disdain. “I suppose this is what happens when you never went to a proper school. You think it’s appropriate to keep your elders standing at the door, chatting in the entryway?”

    An awkward silence fell. The Mortons‘ faces hardened. Ivan, ever attuned to

    tension, squeezed Alessia’s hand tightly, his nerves on edge.

    “Well, it’s not often we get surprise visitors who don’t bother to call ahead,” Alessia replied, her tone crisp.

    Now it was Hamilton and Magda whose faces soured.

    “Please,e in… both of you,” Alessia said, stepping aside before Hamilton could

    retort.

    Hamilton swept past, cane tapping out his irritation. As he passed Karen, he shot her a withering re and a disdainful snort.

    Karen kept her gaze fixed on the floor, lips pressed tight.

    “Are you alright, Mom?” Alessia murmured, noticing Karen’s difort.

    Karen forced a smile, shaking her head. “Don’t worry about it, honey. That’s just how they talk. You and Ivan go on to your room when you’re ready; Brendan and I

    can handle the rest.”

    Alessia shook her head. “Go get your paints out, Ivan. I’lle find you in a little while.”

    Ivan, ever obedient to Alessia’s word, nodded without hesitation and slipped quietly down the hall.

    The group made their way inside. Alessia lingered, squeezing Ivan’s hand in

    212

    09.59

    – Chapter 319

    reassurance before joining the others in the living room. She arrived just in time to hear Magdaining about the tter of fruit Karen had set out–sniffing that it was far too tart, nothing like the imported fruit she was used to.