Chapter 9

　　The tension in the room had barely begun to settle, Marcus's stare still heavy in the air when a side door creaked open with an easy swing, its hinges betraying none of the drama that preceded it.

　　And then, like a ray of sun breaking through a stormy sky, two men entered the room with an energy so different it seemed to crack the atmosphere in half. Where Marcus was storm clouds and iron, these two were all warmth, ease, and uninvited charm.

　　The taller of the two led the way, his grin lazy, confident, like it was permanently stitched to the corners of his mouth. His sandy brown hair was tousled just enough to look intentional, and his stride was the kind of swagger born from never being told no.

　　"Ah, so these are the famous De-Laurents?" he said, his voice smooth with a teasing lilt. His gaze traveled down the line of them with interest, not the impolite kind, but the kind that made it feel like he was already assigning stories to each of them."I'm Daniel Green. Middle child, the disappointment, delight, depends on the day. Usually both." 

　　Esther's breath hitched beside Eleanor like she'd just been punched by Cupid.

　　"Oh gosh," she whispered, clutching her wrist to her chest."Look at my secret admirer...Daniel! So handsome..."

　　Eleanor didn't even try to hide her eye-roll.

　　Following close behind Daniel was another man...slightly shorter, more refined in posture. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his glasses framed eyes that were calm, observant, and intelligent. Where Daniel's smile screamed chaos and charm, his spoke of depth and restraint.

　　"Steve Green," he introduced with a respectful nod, offering a small smile that didn't try too hard."Don't worry, I'm the sensible one."  

　　Martha leaned toward Eleanor with a grin that belonged to someone in the middle of a fantasy."Steve is smart looking. I think I'm in love."

　　"Two minutes in, and we're already forming crushes," Eleanor muttered under her breath.

　　Daniel caught Esther's gaze and tilted his head slightly, amused."You must be Esther. The one who says she can't contain her emotions?"

　　Esther's face lit up, then flushed."You heard that? That was months ago...how do you even know that? I swear, this family has microphones planted in the wallpaper."

　　Daniel chuckled, completely unbothered."I hear everything. It's a terrible talent. Comes with being raised in a house where privacy is a myth."

　　He winked at her, and Esther looked like she might faint.

　　"Don't encourage him," Steve said dryly, shooting his brother a warning look."He thrives on chaos."

　　"Please," Daniel replied."Chaos is how I cope with growing up under that." He jerked his thumb toward Marcus, who hadn't moved an inch since the brothers arrived. He still sat near the fireplace, cold and stone-faced, his eyes narrowed just slightly as they flicked between the De-Laurents and his brothers like a hawk watching rabbits enter its domain.

　　Eleanor didn't miss the sharp edge to Marcus's jaw. The slight tick near his temple. He hated this.

　　He hated their charm, their ease, their warmth.

　　He hated them interacting with her.

　　Interesting.  

　　"Ladies, and ...." Daniel looked at Samuel who seemed to be deaf and dumb and very invisible, "...gentleman" he continued, sweeping into a slight bow,"you have officially improved the atmosphere of this house by a factor of ten. I suggest we keep you."

　　Marcus's voice sliced in like a cold gust."Don't be ridiculous."

　　The room froze.

　　Daniel straightened, smile flickering but holding."Always such a gracious host, big brother."

　　"Flirting with guests you don't know isn't charm. It's idiocy."

　　"Come on," Steve interjected gently, raising a palm between them like a peacekeeper."Let's not do the family drama in front of the guests. Again."

　　"You make it sound like a weekly ritual," Eleanor muttered.

　　"It is," Daniel said with a grin.

　　Before Marcus could snarl something back, another door opened. Softer this time.

　　And in walked a girl, wearing a pale lavender dress and carrying the scent of violets and rain.

　　Valentina Green.

　　She looked like spring had decided to become human for a day. Her skin was smooth, her dark hair tied back with effortless grace, and her wide gray eyes shimmered with gentle curiosity.

　　Samuel cleared his throats as he admired the beauty and glow of the woman carrying his baby. "Hey" he said to her, unable to contain his emotions even as the elders were in the room with them

　　Valentina blushed, she smiled at him, "Hey" she responded.

　　They acted as though they hadn't seen each other's underwear to the extent of even having a baby and being the reason why the enemy families, De-laurent and Green are having a first meeting. 

　　Valentina's resemblance to Marcus struck Eleanor like a blow to the chest.

　　Same bone structure. Same brows. Same intensity, but diffused through innocence.

　　"Hello," Valentina said softly to the girls, hands clasped in front of her."I'm sorry I'm late. I was finishing a lesson."

　　"She studies music," Steve explained.

　　"Violin," Valentina added shyly.

　　"Oh," Esther cooed, nearly melting."That's so beautiful."

　　Valentina smiled at her."Thank you. You must be Esther. Samuel told me you have the prettiest laugh."

　　Samuel coughed and looked away, suddenly interested in the curtains.

　　Esther beamed like the sun.

　　Valentina turned to Eleanor, her gaze more cautious here."You're Eleanor De-Laurent?"

　　"Yes," Eleanor said.

　　"I've heard... a lot about you."

　　Eleanor's brow lifted."All good things, I hope."

　　Valentina hesitated."Mostly."

　　Daniel cleared his throat."Valentina, come sit."

　　She moved to sit but her glance at Marcus betrayed her nerves.

　　Marcus said nothing. Just stared at Eleanor. His silence louder than words.

　　Eleanor met his gaze again. Didn't flinch.

　　"So..." Steve said, clapping his hands softly, trying to change the tone."Shall we sit and talk about plans? The reason you're all actually here?"

　　"Sure," Eleanor said, pulling herself away from Marcus's stare.

　　Marcus had finally stood up.

　　 "There's a reason I wanted only the eldest to meet first. But now that the others are here..." his eyes cut to his brothers,"...let's make something clear. This isn't a fun meeting."

　　"Could've fooled me," Daniel said lightly, tossing an almond from a silver bowl into his mouth.

　　Marcus didn't react."No one is here to make friends."

　　Esther's mouth opened, but Eleanor held up a hand to stop her.

　　"Understood," Eleanor said, eyes locked on his."We're not here for tea parties."

　　"Good," Marcus said, his eyes still on her.

　　She knew that look.

　　He was trying to figure her out.

　　Too bad.

　　She was already one step ahead.