(Adrian POV)
he car ride to my house was quiet. Kiefer, Jayjay , Ci-N, and David were chatting quietly in the back, but my mind was elsewhere—on the encounter earlier, on the strange men who had tried to intimidate me, and on the safety of my sister, Ciel.
When we finally arrived at the estate, the sheer size of it made even me pause. I've known this place my whole life, but seeing the others' reactions—Jayjay 's jaw dropped, Ci-N's wide-eyed excitement—made me feel a little lighter. For now.
I knocked on the door, and a maid appeared almost immediately, bowing deeply. Her voice was soft and melodious.
"你好,欢迎回家,少爷和小姐."
("Hello, welcome home, young master and young madam.")
The others exchanged amazed glances. I smiled faintly. "Yes, my family has deep roots in China. You'll get used to it."
Inside, the house was just as grand as they expected. A mix of modern luxury and traditional Chinese touches, complete with gaming zones, lounges, and vibrant decorations. I motioned to the group. "Make yourselves at home. Snacks are in the kitchen."
I didn't notice Jayjay and Kiefer go off together, laughing as they explored. My eyes were on the stairs.
Two elegantly dressed elderly couples descended—my grandparents. Their warm smiles and calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the tension in my chest. Dinner was lively, but I knew it wouldn't last.
Afterward, my grandfather pulled me aside. "Adrian, a word, please… alone."
I followed him into the study.