n

n

nFor tonight's family dinner, Adrian decided to invite their other relatives too.

nTheir uncles and aunts from their father's side as well as their nephews and nieces - everyone gathered for the special occasion. It's one big reunion, and for some time, it's been an enjoyable event. Everyone dines and drinks together, tells about how they have been doing lately, and takes pleasure in one another's company - forming what seems to be a picture perfect family.

nAt least on the surface, that's what they are.

nExcusing himself in the meantime, Adrian left his guests to take a breather out at the balcony. The place is getting stuffier, and the tightening in his chest is getting tenser. So far, everything is going according to his plan. By inviting the others and avoiding conversations as much as possible, he was also able to silence the raging storm that was his mother.

nWatching Gertrude shout at his maids and menservants already had Adrian nearing the limit of his patience - what more if he got to talk with her and hear another lecture of how much Cassidy influenced him.

n

"Oh, Cassidy... It turned out to be a lot more difficult without you around...

" Adrian grumbled to himself with an exhausted expression, heaving a sigh and lowering his head.

n

"I badly want to see you. I really miss you.

"

nAs he thinks about his wife, he takes a moment to mope around for the millionth time and get lost in his thoughts, looking like a stray soul. He believes that she is fighting her own battle somewhere out there, and though he desperately wants to be by her side as she does so, he knows for himself that he has his own battle here.

nIt is just as Irish said - he should quit sulking and be a real man for once.

n

"Adrian,

" Edward suddenly called from behind, approaching the host of the banquet.

n

"Oh, Edward...

" Adrian blurted out and turned around - only to find that he was not alone.

n

"And you two.

"

n

"G-Good evening...

" Olivia greeted a bit timidly, somewhat dismayed at how he scowled and glared as soon as he saw her and her sister.

n

"Why aren't you joining us, Adrian? You barely talked with the others, and you were completely ignoring our mother. You're acting strange - like you're keeping your distance or something.

"

n

"Oh, am I now?

"

nShe stiffens a little when he sharpens and narrows his gaze at her. It seems like he is never going to get over his resentment towards them, which she understands. Still, she wants to let him know that they will always be there for him.

n

"What's with this uncalled-for celebration, little brother? You sure you're throwing a welcome party here for Grandfather - not a pity party for yourself?

" Irish chimed in from beside her sister, still not finished with provoking him like last time.

n

"If you don't want to get thrown out instead, you better stop shooting your mouth off like that,

" Adrian muttered with a calm yet icy-cold tone.

n

"Sorry. Just wanna know if you're still that same Adrian we tried to console back there. We didn't even know that you already went back to work until you invited everyone to this dinner. What's with you celebrating all of the sudden?

"

n

"What Irish is trying to say here is that you are kind of acting out of character. I know you hold a great deal of respect for Grandfather, but holding this big of an event in such a short notice is not typical of you. In fact, it is baffling...

" Edward trailed off while peering at him inquisitively.

n

"Are you hiding something from us, Adrian?

"

nThat was when Adrian received a phone call out of nowhere.

nWithout minding their presence, he answered the call and let them hear what he was about to say. It turns out that it's his secretary who's at the other end of the line. At first, they couldn't understand what they were talking about, but that's until he dropped a particular phrase that piqued their curiosity and concern.

n

"Let them in,

" was what Adrian said for the last time before ending the call, perplexing his siblings.

n

"Who are they, Adrian?

" Edward asked with evident wariness.

n

"Our special guests for tonight.

"

n---

nEveryone at the dining hall was disconcerted at the sudden arrival of the police.

nWith Ray leading the not-so unwelcome visit, the cops appeared alongside his team of investigators. As soon as they do so, they surround the guests who are at the table and block every possible way out of there. Each one of them remains on their seat, thoroughly thunderstruck and perturbed by the presence of these law enforcement officers.

nSitting in the midst of them all is none other than Grisham.

nDespite reacting as shocked as everybody else, he stays stoic and composed. He did not say a single word even though the situation was demanding him to. With an enigmatic expression, he only sat there and kept silent.

nRather than afraid or unsettled, Grisham appears more impenetrable than ever.

n

"What do you think you are all doing?! Do you know who you are dealing with...?!

" Gertrude bolted out both in indignance and exasperation, serving as the first among them who made a response.

n

"How dare you barge in the Millicent's residence without permission?!

"

n

"Permission? Oh, sure we got one, Mrs. Millicent,

" Ray replied coolly, making her whip her head to his direction in surprise.

n

"You...! I know you! You're that guy who interrogated me before! And that one from the hotel!

"

n

"Yes, I am, Ma'am.

"

n

"Just what is it do you want?!

"

n

"They don't want nothing from you, Mother. At least for now, they don't.

"

nOut of nowhere, Adrian came emerging from the balcony along with his siblings.

nWhile Olivia and Irish went frozen the moment they saw all the police officers, Edward stilled for a second before hurrying to where his sons were. He didn't know what was going on, but their safety would always be his priority. Fortunately, all of the children are playing at another room in the meantime - hence, keeping them from witnessing this scene.

n

"Adrian, what is the meaning of this...?!

" Gertrude exclaimed once again until she saw that some of the officers were starting to approach Grisham with one of them holding out a handcuff, disorienting her even more.

n

"Wait, what are you going to do to my father?! Don't you dare touch him! I'm gonna make you pay for that-

"

n

"Will you please shut up already, Mother...?

" Adrian cut her off with a tyrannical tone, earning a stunned look from her.

n

"How is the officer going to speak if you keep shouting like that?

"

n

"W-What?

"

nAll she could do was breathe that out shakily, finding it hard to believe that her son was really treating her like this. He keeps giving her the look of someone who doesn't give a damn, and once more, she can only ever wonder what is the real cause behind this drastic change in him.

nShe can only wonder why he is being like this to his very mother.

nSure, Gertrude didn't follow everything Adrian said about how she should deal with Sophie who remained in a coma, but she was only considering her current state. She kept her case untouched while she was recovering, but that did not mean she still wanted to protect her from whatever punishment he would give her once she woke up.

n

"Sir Ray, please proceed with the plan,

" Adrian started again, reacting apathetic at the sight of his mother turning ghastly pale from trepidation.

nThe atmosphere layering all over the dining hall has begun to weigh heavily - the air thickening, and the temperature dropping. No one knows what is really happening, but they all know that this is something huge. It all feels like a trap set by the host. For a while, they were only enjoying themselves, but not even an hour later, it turned into this.

n

"Mr. Grisham Donovan...

" Ray announced, sending off some sort of formidable tension as he did so.

n

"You are under arrest for committing the following crimes.

"

nWhile some of them felt their eyes fly wide open and gaped in complete shock, others gasped out loud and went stiff from utter horror.

nFrom that point on, only Ray could be heard. Normally, the police would capture their suspects and take them out straight away. But in this case, he took time to announce every horrid offense and abominable act that Grisham committed - loud, clear and never leaving out a single one. He did it while the whole family was watching and listening.

nEven then, Grisham did not give out a word or even the expected response, which somehow disappointed Adrian.

nHe even went all out for this special event by decorating the entire setting and making it look as lavish as possible. This was also why he invited everyone he was close with.

nIt did not seem like his grandfather expected this since he did appear like his soul left his body when the police arrived. But as minutes pass by, he is returning to his usual calm and poise.

n

"With all that said, you have to go with us, Mr. Donovan,

" Ray ordered after saying all the reasons why he must comply.

nAnd Grisham did comply.

nHe only stood up in silence and allowed himself to be handcuffed. Only when he came into contact with the metal rings did he suddenly look appalled and affronted. That expression of his came into light even more when he locked eye contact with his grandson.

n

"Welcome back, my dear grandfather...

" Adrian remarked with the perfect display of malevolence and mockery.

n

"And goodbye. I'll see you at court.

"

n