What's going on?

Electra had finally resumed work, and her diligence was evident in the stack of files and documents scattered across her desk. The soft hum of the air conditioner and the gentle chirping of birds outside created a soothing atmosphere.

Matthew walked into her office, his footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. He closed the door behind him, his eyes locking onto Electra's as he settled into the chair opposite her desk.

"Hey, little bro?" Electra said, her voice warm and teasing, as she raised her head from the papers. "Why are you here?"

Matthew's expression turned serious, his eyes holding a hint of secrecy. "I came here because I want to tell you something," he said, his voice low and measured.

Electra's curiosity was piqued, her eyes sparkling with interest. "What's that?" she asked, her pen hovering over the paperwork.

Matthew leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "You must love gossip; see how serious you are," he teased, his voice laced with amusement.

Electra scoffed, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "Don't tell me you came all the way from your office just to tease me?" she asked, her brow arched.

Matthew shook his head, his expression turning solemn. "No, I'm serious. This is important." He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing.

Electra's gaze never wavered, her attention fully focused on her brother. The air was thick with anticipation, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words.

"Spill it," Electra urged, her voice softening, inviting Matthew to share his secret.

"Well, I overheard Mom talking to Dad about you getting married to her old friend's son," Matthew said, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and concern.

Electra's eyes widened, and she chuckled, incredulous. "What do you mean, me getting married to her friend's son? Has she lost it?" she asked, still trying to wrap her head around the notion.

Matthew's expression turned serious. "Dad was against it, but Mom insisted. And Dad had no option but to accept it."

Electra's laughter faded, replaced by frustration. "What's wrong with Mom? Did she expect me to abandon my daughter and remarry? Who told her I was ready for marriage?" she asked, her voice rising.

Matthew shrugged. "I don't know, but Mom seems fixated on this idea. She mentioned something about it being arranged over twenty years ago, and the woman being... late."

Electra's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Late? What does that even mean? And what kind of arrangement could she have made without consulting me?"

She leaned back in her chair, her mind racing with questions. "This is ridiculous. I need to talk to Mom." Electra's voice was firm, her determination clear.

Matthew nodded in agreement. "I thought you should know. But be careful, Electra. Mom seems... invested in this idea."

The air was thick with tension, the weight of their mother's secrets hanging precariously in the balance. Electra's eyes narrowed, her jaw set. She was ready to uncover the truth.

Electra stood up, her chair scraping against the floor as she grabbed her bag angrily and stormed towards the door. "She'll have to hear it from me," she declared, her voice firm and resolute.

Matthew's calm tone followed her. "Take it easy, sister. You know how she can be."

He quickly tidied up her desk, his eyes watching her departure with concern.

Electra didn't notice. She was already halfway out the door, her mind fixed on confronting her mother.

She drove to the house, parking carelessly in the driveway and didn't mind the cars that were packed there and the guard present. Her footsteps echoed through the hallway as she rushed inside.

"Mom!" Electra called out, her voice echoing through the empty rooms.

No response.

Undeterred, Electra charged towards her mother's study, her heart pounding with anticipation.

She burst through the door, and her eyes scanned the room. Her mother, father, and an elderly man sat around the desk, their faces solemn.

The elderly man's presence sparked Electra's irritation. Who was he, and why was he involved in this?

Her mother's eyes met hers, a mixture of surprise and caution reflected in them. "Electra, dear, come in."

Electra's gaze narrowed. "What's going on?" she demanded, her voice low and even.

The elderly man's eyes flicked to Electra's parents, his expression unreadable. Her father's face was tense, while her mother's eyes pleaded for understanding.

The air was heavy with unspoken secrets, and Electra's patience was wearing thin.

"Mr. Richardo, meet my daughter, the one you've been eager to meet," Mrs. Scofield said, her voice dripping with forced enthusiasm.

Electra's expression turned icy, her eyes flashing with disdain. "Mum, Dad, I need to speak with you urgently," she said, her tone brooking no argument.

Her mother's face fell, disappointment etched on her features. "Electra, darling, please. You know better than to interrupt. I trained you to be respectful when we have visitors."

Electra scoffed, her patience wearing thin. "This isn't about being respectful, Mum. It's about discussing something important."

Mr. Richardo intervened, his voice smooth as silk. "It's okay, Lora. I understand how children can be. And I was about to leave anyway when Electra arrived."

He rose from his seat, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "It's lovely meeting you, Electra. I've heard so much about you."

Electra's gaze lingered on Mr. Richardo, her distrust evident. She turned back to her parents, her voice firm. "I need to talk to you, now."

The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken secrets. Mrs. Scofield's eyes darted between Electra and Mr. Richardo, her expression uneasy.

"Very well, dear," Mrs. Scofield said finally. "Mr. Richardo was just leaving. We'll discuss... everything later."

Electra's eyes narrowed, her jaw set. She knew exactly what this meeting was about, and she was determined to put a stop to it.

"I should see you off," Mr. Scofield said, rising from his seat.

"Alright," Mr. Richardo replied, standing up. His eyes locked onto Electra's, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths.

As he approached Electra, his smile widened. "I will be glad to have a daughter-in-law like you," he said, his voice dripping with sincerity. "Such a beautiful woman."

Electra's face froze, her eyes flashing with disgust. She felt a shiver run down her spine as Mr. Richardo's gaze lingered on her.

"You're mistaken," Electra said, her voice icy. "I'm not going to be anyone's daughter-in-law."

Mr. Richardo's smile faltered for a moment before he recovered. "We'll see about that," he murmured, his eyes glinting with determination.

With a nod, Mr. Richardo continued towards the door, Mr. Scofield escorting him out. Electra's eyes followed them, her mind reeling with the implications.

As soon as the door closed, Electra turned to her mother, her voice firm. "What is going on? You can't seriously expect me to marry that man's son?"

Her mother's expression was evasive, but Electra saw the guilt written across her face. "We'll discuss this later, dear," Mrs. Scofield said.

Electra's anger boiled over. "No, we'll discuss this now."