At Layla's request, a pin-drop silence descended around the room, and everyone made an annoyed, weird face.

No one else dared to say these words to Henry, but his impassive face worried everyone.

"Layla, this is not good. You should try not to annoy Henry since he is the oldest and has the authority around here. Just because he has not said or done anything yet-"

The kid sitting beside Kyle spoke up in an annoyed voice. She looked angry, and her eyes sparked with dislike when she looked at Layla.

"That is enough. Our youngest seems not to understand how lenient we have been with her until now. Layla, we gave you all the time you needed to adjust to this place, but it is time you put in the same effort.

If not, I would assume you want to make us all your enemy."

Henry interjected before the situation could get worse.

On the surface, his words sounded kind, and his interference looked to have been done for the good of the situation. But Layla knew better than that.

She heard the threat in Henry's voice, and his attitude let her know he was not particularly happy about her being there.

'This a does not want me here. He is using these other kids to show his solidified position. Ugh, what a headache.'

Layla knew better than anyone that this day would come sooner or later. She did not try to connect with the other kids or follow the authority.

*Sigh*

"What do you want from me? As you recently heard, I am busier than before and opened a business with someone. I apologize if I cannot make time for you."

Layla replied as she finally took her seat.

All the kids looked at her, but their expressions varied from interest to disgust. Only Kyle's expression was somewhat positioned.

"I heard about that business of yours. However, I cannot allow you to prioritize your business above the good of our bonds. Therefore, you will be confined to this house for the time being.

Unless you learn to socialize with everyone here, we won't have a reason to be polite if you try to break this rule. So be cautious and make the decision that benefits you the most."

Henry was not saying this to benefit Layla. He was just showing off how much control he had over this place.

And now, he expected Layla to follow his words as well.

"I will think about it."

Layla had no interest in trying to better her relationship with these kids. They were all likely going to die soon, and she did not have time to worry about them when more important things were at play here.

But Henry was starting to get on her nerves now, and Layla barely surpassed her annoyance while she ate with the other kids.

Henry's eyes continued to look at her throughout the dinner, and Layla stood up to leave as soon as she was done.

"I would like to take my leave now."

Layla's bow was perfect (as perfect as a six-year-old could be) before she quickly walked out.

"..."

The lack of replies and the intense looks she received drove home the message about what these kids wanted her to do.

Once in her room, Layla locked the door before finally letting her irritation show.

"Fuck these kids. Who do they think they are? They cannot keep me confided here as they please. If they think they can bully me, another thing is coming."

Layla complained, and her anger slowly subdued before it finally calmed down,

It was finally time for her to confront her opponents, and she was ready to show them what she could do.

"I should go and check up on my business. Since these kids want me to stay here so badly, I should disappoint them by heading out."

Layla changed her clothes before she headed toward the front door.

She was going to leave for her business right in front of everyone.

As Layla crossed the dining room, the sound of forced laughter and cheer reached her ear. Someone noticed her, and the laughter slowly faded to silence.

"Where are you heading to? Didn't Henry tell you you are not allowed to go out?"

Someone asked, but Layla did not look at anyone but Henry when she walked out to her business.

"He did warn me. Unfortunately, this house is not a monarchy, and I am not obligated to follow Henry's will. Now, if you will excuse me. I have places to be and people to meet."

Layla assured the kids that she had thought this all through.

Her eyes met Henry's as she walked out, and the older teen looked as cold as Ice. His expression made Layla freeze, but she kept ignoring it until she was out.

"Maybe I made that decision in a little haste. I should have thought about it a little more."

Layla sighed at her reckless nature. She attributed it to the lack of rest she had had recently.

It made her cranky and unable to think about what she was doing. But since the bridge was already burned, Layla decided to head out and finish her work.

She would think of the consequences of her action later.

That later came too soon.

Once Layla returned to the huge mansion, she heard silence around her. Not a single soul was in sight, and no one came to greet her either.

This silence felt unnatural, but Layla braved it to reach her room.

Her door was knocked down, and it had scratch marks.

Since every room had a security barrier only the user could open, the person who had done this to her door could not enter. But Layla's privacy had been destroyed quite badly, and there was no sign of the person who had done this.

"This is their idea of petty revenge? It is annoying, for sure. Now, where am I going to sleep for the night?"