“Grandma-O!” Theo greeted. “Looking good.” “Boys! I hope the drive wasn’t too long.” “Every drive is long with those two,” Alexis snorted. Opal chuckled, “Well boys will be boys. Dinner will be in an hour and a half. We eat on time around here but let me sh
Jenna Ryker stepped out of her Mercedes flipping her hair over her shoulder. Minutes later a servant hurried out to collect the luggage stuffed in the trunk while another moved to the driver’s side ready to park the vehicle. Paying neither of them any mind she strutted to the front door where Jose
“Well go get them,” Theo snorted. “They knew what time dinner was, didn’t they? It’s rude to make the rest of us wait because they don’t know how to tell time.” “I quite agree,” Opal suddenly spoke. “Joseph serve the first course.” “…But ma’am.” “I have wait
The new woman pouted when he said nothing to her. She ignored the soup set in front of her brimming with vegetables and meat. Sean softly tapped the table with his finger informing Alexis of their guest. Their sister’s face took on a thoughtful expression. Her mind was already working though she
“Here we go,” Ava said as she plated scrambled eggs and sausage along with toast. Setting large servings in front of the kids she hesitantly offered Silas a helping unsure if he would like such a simple meal. He had surprised her when he trailed them to the kitchen wrapping his arms ar
“I would say so,” Alexis said with a smile. “We already informed Grandma. She’s on her way to deal with all of you herself.” “Hope you have your resumes are in order,” Theo snickered. “Joseph!” Opal yelled as she stormed into the room. “What is the meaning of this! Is t
“Us and those two? You really think it’ll be that even?” “Not including the staff…” “You’re leaving out the most important players,” Silas said retrieving his phone. “There are a few things you should know.” Opal took the phone he handed her reading the headl
Alexis smiled as Silas carried her mother out of the bedroom. She heard a faint click indicating they switched the light off before leaving. Several minutes later she heard a soft knock on the door leading to the bathroom shared with her brothers. The door opened as she sat up. Sean and Theo ent
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their