The crystal chandelier in the dining room radiated a warm glow, trying to erase the tension that had just occurred. But the seating arrangement that placed Al far from the rest of the family clearly showed that the battle wasn't over.
That night, the Virellano family's dining room was filled with the aroma of delicious dishes from the ever-busy kitchen. The chandelier's light reflected off the long table covered in black silk fabric with golden accents.
As Al entered, he immediately felt the cold stares and the isolated seat assigned to him. At the end of the table, next to Sarah and David, seats had been prepared with positions that clearly distanced him.
David sat with a thin smile, arms folded, while Sarah spun her spoon with a satisfied look. Sandra sat not far from her husband, looking conflicted yet watching Al with a mix of care and worry. Though most of her couldn't fully accept Al, her motherly instinct stirred a deep concern and guilt for the child she'd finally found.
Al looked around the table casually, trying not to care. He slowly sat in the prepared chair, his posture relaxed, leaning back slightly with folded arms, eyes staring blankly at the plate. He was actually quite pleased with the arrangement—at least he was still allowed to join the family meal.
Though not explicitly rejected, Al's plate remained empty longer than the others. He stared at the silver spoon and expensive porcelain, and of course, the delicious food on the table that made his mouth water.
In silence, he gave a small smile. Not one of joy, but one used to hide the embarrassment of nearly drooling.
A family dinner? Strange... it feels like being left outside the gate. Huff... not important. As long as the food's good, he thought.
While enjoying the food, Edward began speaking with a heavy voice.
"We need to talk about Al's behavior today. I hope this is the last time our family faces problems because of it."
Sarah immediately added,
"Just look, Father. This boy hasn't even spent a day here, yet he's already shown wild behavior. Caused a scene and even harassed a maid. This tarnishes the family name."
Aureille added coldly,
"If we don't act fast, he'll keep taking advantage of our luxury. It's dangerous for our family's reputation and business."
Everyone turned to Al, who remained calm and only focused on the food. Realizing he had to say something, he looked up.
"Ah... Sorry. I'll improve myself according to this family's standards," he said with a smile.
Sarah was shocked by the calmness, then mocked him,
"Who does he think he is? A street rat who suddenly appears and acts like he owns the place."
Edward raised a hand to calm things down.
"We'll find a solution. I don't want this family divided over something petty."
Sandra softly inserted,
"We should give him a chance."
But other voices began rising, demanding a clear punishment.
After dinner, several family members gathered in the larger living room to negotiate with Al about the next steps.
Sarah passionately declared,
"We should place him in that storage room as a reminder he's not truly part of this family."
Aureille nodded in agreement,
"That place suits him. He needs to learn respect. If we treat him equally too soon, he'll think he can do anything here."
David, who had remained composed, now looked at his father with a small nod.
"I think... for now, that's wise. The young master needs time to adapt, and some distance will help calm things down."
No mockery was in his voice. It sounded like genuine concern. His eyes met Al's with a seemingly understanding gaze, offering space for his brother to adjust—though it was all a mask.
Al, leaning in the corner, raised an eyebrow and spoke,
"Mmm... if you want me to stay in the storage, that's fine. But isn't that a bit extreme? Can I choose another place instead? How can I learn to be part of this family if I'm placed in a dark corner from the start?"
All eyes turned to Al.
"If possible, I'd like to stay in that small old building near the garden, about a hundred meters from this house. It's quiet, separate from the maids and family, perfect for self-discipline. That storage room is dark, not even under CCTV coverage—if I did something wrong, no one would know. But the other building... you could even assign bodyguards to monitor me—maybe Dedy, haha."
Edward furrowed his brows, surprised Al would rather be monitored than have freedom. But too tired from work and the long trip to pick up Al, he didn't argue. The suggestion was actually reasonable.
"That building hasn't been used in years. Are you sure?"
Al nodded. "Yeah. I think it's a good place."
In truth, he had no problem with the small room, but he felt something magical from that garden building earlier—he was curious.
David noticed and turned slightly. His expression barely changed, but there was a flicker in his eyes. He knew the place. He rested his hand on the table, but remained silent.
Sarah squinted.
"You mean that old, dirty building?"
Aureille added,
"Isn't that where David kept his cat when he was little? Ever since the cat died, it's been abandoned."
Al looked at David.
"Oh... I didn't know. I only saw it from outside."
David finally spoke calmly,
"It's been untouched for years. Dusty, maybe moldy. But... if you're comfortable, it's your choice."
Edward thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Harun, clean the place. Add a bed and cooling unit. Nothing fancy."
"Yes, Sir," Harun replied.
Sarah chimed in,
"I think that's a good idea. A punishment that doesn't ruin our image but still sets boundaries."
"Thanks for the appreciation, Sis Sarah," Al said suddenly.
Hearing that, Sarah realized she had just praised Al's idea. She felt irritated at herself.
Edward looked at Al seriously.
"Alright. We'll go with this. But remember, you must show proper conduct."
Al simply shrugged.
"Got it, Father. I'll move in tonight."
The mood calmed slightly, though tension still lingered.
Edward glanced at Al again.
"About your allowance—you'll get the same as the others. Fifty million a month."
But before Al could respond, Aureille cut in sharply yet elegantly,
"Sorry Father, but Al hasn't been officially announced as part of the family. Giving him full support may create... the wrong perception. And he might not be ready for our family's competitive system."
Sarah added,
"We don't even know if he can uphold our image. Giving him fifty million like us... isn't wise. He might use it for... inappropriate things. He's a pervert."
Edward began to lose patience. But Al softly said,
"Actually, I don't need an allowance. Eating here is enough. I'm already grateful."
The room fell silent. Even David looked at Al a bit longer than usual.
"Are you sure?" Edward asked, suspicious but not angry.
Al nodded.
"Hmm, I don't need much. If I need something, I'll figure it out, hehe."
But inside, his thoughts wandered:
Fifty million? That's barely a third of what I pay interns at my company. Hah, money's meaningless.
David then spoke, trying to mediate.
"That can be arranged later. Maybe we can reevaluate after a month, Father."
Edward nodded.
"Alright. Hold the allowance for now. Let's see how he does. For now, report your needs to Harun."
He nodded once more.
"Harun, take him to the building. Open and prepare it as needed. He'll stay there starting tonight."
"Yes, Sir." Harun bowed, then gave Al a quick glance.
Al slowly stood. Before following Harun out, he turned to the family, letting his eyes meet each of theirs.
His pitch-black eyes caught the chandelier's light, but what he saw wasn't just faces. He saw the aura of each family member glowing with unique colors. Edward's dominant aura shone dim gold with hints of blood red. Sandra's warm gold aura trembled with worry and pain.
Aureille, Sarah, and the sisters all had dim yellow and blood red auras still linked to Al by blood—yet weakening, as if something was slowly draining the bond.
Then his eyes landed on David.
David's face remained calm and charismatic. But his aura was different—dark, purplish-black, pulsing like toxic fog. It wasn't just dark... it drew in surrounding auras, forming a subtle vortex, sucking energy from the entire family.
He's draining them? Al thought, his brow slightly furrowed.
But he said nothing. After all, how could he explain such things to a family that didn't believe in the mystical?
Al exhaled softly and followed Harun out of the dining room.