CHAPTER 254: SQUATTERS IN A PALACE

The plush velvet of the crescent-shaped lounges enveloped them like clouds, the kind you could sink into for an eternity.

Hours had slipped away since they first entered the Main Palace, and now they sprawled across the grand living hall like stunned survivors of a luxury-induced battle.

The chandeliers above continued their slow celestial dance, casting soft golden hues over the laughter-lined faces of the Osborns.

Ashley spread her arms wide across the couch, channeling a queen returning from conquest.

"I swear on all the brands in Tessaria," she declared dramatically, "this place makes every mansion I’ve ever stepped into look like a janitor’s closet!"

Beside her, Edward groaned and draped his arm over his eyes. "I can’t even argue. My old penthouse in Neo-Luminara now feels like a peasant hut."

Bella sat cross-legged on a nearby ottoman, exhaling slowly as if trying to recover from sensory overload.

"We didn’t even cover thirty percent of this place... thirty! And I feel like I’ve walked through ten lifetimes of luxury."

"That’s because this isn’t just luxury," Olivia chimed in, tilting her head back against the soft cushion with half-lidded eyes full of awe.

"This is a divine realm disguised as a residence."

Even George,usually the joker,had gone quiet for quite some time, simply watching golden reflections ripple along the mirrored ceiling.

Finally breaking his silence, he quipped, "You know you’re rich when even the wood on your hallway paneling could buy out a small corporation."

Laughter erupted around him,hearty and unfiltered.

The atmosphere in that grand room was warm and familial; they were no longer mere guests but had settled in comfortably.

Kaia perched beside Billy on the couch, hugging a velvet cushion with stars sparkling in her eyes.

She gazed at floating staircases and crystalline floor channels while marveling at the sky ceiling painted with drifting clouds above them.

Her voice came softly, almost dazed: "Billy... every time I think I’ve seen it all, something new slaps me right in the face!"

Billy chuckled and replied playfully, "Welcome to the Osborn family,we don’t do ceilings!"

"No seriously," she whined with mock seriousness. "How can anyone live like this and still be normal? This is my fifth time thinking I’ve reached peak wealth and each time I’m proven wrong! It’s like my worldview is getting constantly bruised."

Arthur lounged nearby with Eve nestled contentedly in his arms; her giggles rang out like wind chimes throughout the room as he gently bounced her on his lap.

He said nothing but watched everything unfold with a soft smile tugging at his lips.

Ashley never wanting to stay silent for a even a minute gave Arthur a look and said. "You’ve been holding Eve like she’s some treasure chest since you laid eyes on her! Don’t tell me you’re thinking about having a daughter now?"

The cousins perked up their ears, excitement buzzing in the air.

"Yeah!" Charlotte chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ever since Eve landed in your arms, it’s like you’ve gone full-on papa mode!"

Eva leaned forward, a teasing smile on her lips. "If he wants a daughter, maybe he should consider tying the knot first."

That comment ignited the room.

"He ought to marry someone refined," Oscar added thoughtfully. "A woman with strength, class, and enough nerve to stand toe-to-toe with him."

Edward smirked at the banter. "Which basically narrows it down to about three people on this planet."

Ashley kicked her legs over the couch and sang out dramatically, "Any volunteers? Must survive intense glaring, strategic debates, and occasional world domination schemes!"

Arthur sighed deeply and shook his head, already regretting ever glancing fondly at Eve in public.

Then Margaret entered the fray,regal and composed as always,raising her chin with a proud smile that could conquer nations.

"My Arthur is the most handsome, brilliant, and powerful man alive. It’s only natural for us to be picky about who gets to join our family."

Aunt Emily nodded firmly in agreement. "It’s not arrogance; it’s standards!"

Julian chuckled dryly from his corner. "God save the woman who tries to tame Arthur Osborn."

Ashley grinned devilishly. "He doesn’t need taming; he needs hugging! Come on, Arthur,group hug!"

Arthur raised a hand like a military general calling for order.

"Enough!" His gaze settled sharply on Ashley. "No wedding arrangements, no blind dates... definitely no group hugs."

"You’re no fun," Ashley pouted playfully.

"And you’re nothing but trouble," he shot back flatly.

"Touché."

Laughter filled the room as some sipped from crystal goblets filled with rare nectar wines while others sank deeper into cushions softer than any bed they’d ever known.

The Main Palace had disarmed them with its beauty and now cradled them in comfort.

Suddenly, Ashley’s expression shifted; her eyes sparkled with mischief as she tilted her head toward Arthur with an innocent grin that screamed trouble.

"Arthur..."

He narrowed his eyes instinctively; he sensed mischief brewing.

"This palace... it’s kinda big."

"It was designed that way," he replied cautiously.

"And lonely for just one person," she continued smoothly.

Arthur straightened slightly. "Ashley..."

"Why don’t you let us live here too?" she asked sweetly while batting her lashes like an expert negotiator.

Every head in the room turned toward Arthur as if choreographed by some unseen conductor.

Bella set down her glass deliberately. "Actually, she has a point."

Oscar leaned forward eagerly. "We’re family! Shouldn’t we stick together?"

Edward raised his hand like an eager schoolboy. "I second the motion!"

"Third!" George chimed in, grinning widely.

"Unanimous," Eva declared, her eyes glued to her floating tablet, barely looking up from her screen.

Margaret clasped her hands together, a gentle, victorious smile spreading across her face. "Arthur, darling, wouldn’t it be wonderful? We could take care of each other and grow stronger as a family."

Emily jumped in enthusiastically. "Plus, it’s such a waste to let all this space sit unused!"

Arthur surveyed the room slowly, his gaze landing on each cousin in turn.

They all wore the same expression: puppy-eyed hope mixed with determination. And then there was Ashley...

Ashley had already propped her feet up on the coffee table, wearing the smug grin of someone who had just pulled off a masterful coup without lifting a finger!

Arthur sighed deeply and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I knew this was going to happen."

Olivia smirked playfully. "Then you should’ve built a smaller house!"

He shot her an exasperated look before letting out another defeated sigh. "Fine,you can stay... but..."

Ashley squealed in triumph!

"...the topmost floor is mine! No one enters without my permission,that’s non-negotiable."

Ashley paused mid-celebration and saluted with mock seriousness. "Aye, Captain!"

Arthur allowed himself a dry smile as he continued, "All other floors beneath that are yours to choose from,pick wisely; there’s a map in the AI interface."

Liz clapped her hands excitedly. "Room shopping spree!"

Charlotte was already scrolling through her comm device. "I call dibs on the floor with the waterfall balcony!"

George jumped up like a kid at Christmas. "Not if I get there first!"

Arthur leaned back into the plush lounge chair as his cousins scrambled for their dream rooms.

The once peaceful chamber erupted into a delightful storm of laughter, playful teasing, and spirited debates over room choices.

Amidst all this joyful chaos, Arthur couldn’t help but smile as he looked down at Eve giggling softly while nestled in his arms.

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