Maya's POV
The Sterling family's private aircraft banked gracefully as we approached Oakwood Valley, the engines humming smoothly through a gentle patch of turbulence. Through the oval window, rolling hills and sprawling vineyards spread out like an expensive painting. My stomach fluttered with an uncomfortable mixture of anticipation and something that felt dangerously close to homesickness.
"Holy cow, this is incredible!" Silas pressed his nose against the glass like he was twelve years old again. "This beats that economy nightmare we endured getting to the wedding. We definitely should have taken Sebastian up on his jet offer back then."
I shook my head but found myself grinning despite my nerves. Bringing my entire family along for Arthur's birthday celebration had been the old man's non-negotiable demand—delivered with the kind of authority that made arguing seem pointless.
"Everyone must be here for my eighty-third, Maya. I want everyone here!"
