Yujia's failed speech was just the start of the chaos.
The next morning, the house buzzed with whispers and uneasy glances.
Ichiro remained his usual charming self, flawlessly masking every malicious move.
"Good morning, everyone," Ichiro said smoothly, flashing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I hope everyone had a restful night."
[Like a serpent coiling, ready to strike.]
Jin sat apart, watching quietly.
[They still don't get it. They think this is a game they can control.]
His sisters circled, their expressions a mix of worry and silent regret.
Lianhua avoided his gaze.
Meiyu hesitated before softly saying, "We're trying to fix things… slowly."
[Too slow.]
That day, Yujia received an invitation to a "private talk" with Ichiro.
The atmosphere was heavy, thick with unspoken threats.
Jin's mind churned.
[She's walking into a trap. Just like I knew she would.]
He clenched his fists.
[If only they listened sooner.]
The family's fragile attempts at redemption felt like drops against an oncoming storm.
But somewhere deep inside, a spark of hope lingered.
Maybe, just maybe, they could rewrite their fate.