The courtyard teemed with luxury vehicles, each arriving guest smoothly transferring their keys to the waiting hands of the Finch familyâs servants.
As Adrian pulled up, a servant hurried to his side to open the car door.
âMr. Miller!â
Every member of the Finch family was taken aback by Adrianâs appearance.
The rift between Adrian and them had widened years earlier after a careless comment from Stephen had severed their ties.
âMr. Miller, did you arrive by yourself?â
The question was posed lightheartedly, but Adrianâs icy stare prompted an immediate retraction.
âOh, my apologies, truly. Mr. Finch has been eagerly anticipating your arrival!â
Before stepping inside, Adrian was greeted by the booming laughter of Stephen, robust and vigorous, belying his eighty-eight years.
âAdrian, I was sure youâd show up alone this year! Fred even bet youâd bring your family! I disagreed. Havenât your wife and kid left you?â
Fred covered his face, regretting that he hadnât persuaded Stephen to choose his words more carefully.
âAdrian, how are Joelle and the kids?â Gracie chimed in, attempting to smooth over the awkwardness.
âTheyâre on their way,â Adrian replied curtly.
Stephen burst into laughter once more.
âAre they still holding a grudge against you? Is that why they didnât come along?â
Adrian forced a weak smile.
âIsnât it a bit harsh to poke fun at someoneâs sensitive spots?â
âHarsh? Isnât that the whole point of a good tease?â Stephen continued to chuckle, the only one amused by the exchange.
Adrian had braced himself for this encounter, but he hadnât fully prepared for the sharpened edge of Stephenâs biting humor, which had only intensified with time.
The others present wore expressions of discomfort, silently worrying that Adrian might storm off in a fit of anger at any second.
âGrandpa,â Fred called out.
Stephen eventually tempered his laughter, possibly realizing he might have overstepped.
âCome on, Adrian, you know Iâm just joking!â
He slung an arm around Adrianâs shoulders, his tone shifting to one of warmth.
âTell me, did you upset your wife? Maybe my grandson should offer you a few pointers?â
The room fell silent, everyone else at a loss for words.
Adrian felt a pulse throb angrily in his temple.
.
.
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