CHAPTER 103: FAMILY!!!

Citadel City

In a sprawling mansion lit with golden chandeliers, the dining table was set with quiet elegance. Two people sat across from each other while maids stood by, pouring wine and serving delicate dishes.

Silvey Sterling sat with poise, her eyes bright with curiosity. Across the table sat her grandfather, Gordon Sterling. The old man’s face carried the weight of decades, his sharp features softened only by the silver of his hair and the tired wisdom in his gaze. His posture remained regal, his voice still firm though softened by age.

Gordon spoke with a small smile. "So how was your first day in the office, Silvey?"

Silvey’s lips curved as she nodded. "I loved it there, Grandpa. Thank you for allowing me to join the office."

"I am happy that you are happy," Gordon replied warmly. "You are the first person from the family who actually joined the office. The others are already criticising my decision, but I told them you will only be working there until you get married. For now the situation is under control."

He paused, the smile fading as his eyes grew distant. "I have only one son, your father, and I have no grandson. Soon your dad will retire, and someone else will lead the Sterling family business. I know time has changed, and daughters can lead business as strongly as sons. But family rules are something we always followed. I am sorry, my dear grandchild. I could not change those rules."

Silvey leaned forward slightly, her voice gentle. "It is okay Grandpa, I will figure something out. Don’t worry. But... I am here to ask you something, to be honest."

"Ask me anything," Gordon said, studying her with curious eyes.

"It’s about the abandoned family members," Silvey said carefully.

Gordon’s eyes flickered before he sighed deeply. "So you heard it already. You must have also heard about the recent rise of Sterling Enterprises."

Silvey nodded quickly, her tone curious. "Yes Grandpa, can you please tell me?"

Gordon leaned back in his chair, his expression softening with memory. "Alright. His name was Timothy Sterling, our eldest brother. We called him Tim. He broke the family rules and married someone of his own will. Later my father abandoned him. Sterling Enterprises is something that was originally started by him from scratch back then. He was a good elder brother to us. I even met him secretly a few times."

Silvey’s eyes widened with surprise. "So Grandpa Tim... where is he now?"

"I don’t know," Gordon admitted with a heavy voice. "I heard he disappeared. Then his only son died. Maybe behind the current Sterling Enterprises it is his grandson. His name is Miles. But for the past seventeen years, I have not heard anything about them. The rise of Sterling Enterprises is a sudden surprise for all of us. Some family members do not like that they are using the Sterling name openly after being abandoned. I only hope no one creates trouble for them. But the Sterling family is huge. There is no guarantee someone won’t interfere."

Silvey tilted her head, her voice soft but steady. "What about you Grandpa? Does that bother you?"

Gordon shook his head slowly. "The time has changed, Silvey. You cannot control everything forever. It does not bother me personally."

"Thank you for telling me everything, Grandpa," Silvey said sincerely, her eyes filled with respect.

The old man gave her a faint smile, his silver gaze reflecting both pride and the shadows of old regrets.

Star Harbor, The Pearl Villa.

The front door opened and Miles stepped in with Monica beside him. Daniel was the first to notice, his brows raising slightly at the unexpected guest.

"We have a guest tonight," he said warmly, setting aside the TV remote in his hand.

Miles gestured toward the woman beside him. "Let me introduce you. She is Monica, she manages Reaper Entertainment."

Daniel extended his hand with a kind smile. "Nice to meet you, Monica."

Monica returned the smile politely. "Hello Mr. Keller, nice to meet you as well."

The sound of small footsteps echoed as Hope and Asher came rushing into the room.

"Hello, I’m Hope," the little girl said proudly.

"My name is Asher," her brother added quickly.

Monica knelt slightly, her smile softening. "Aren’t you two the cutest. I’m Monica."

Just then, a door closed upstairs, and Elena entered the living room. The moment her eyes fell on Monica, she paused, tilting her head slightly as if something stirred in her memory.

"You, dear... did we meet before?" Elena asked gently.

Monica shook her head with a polite expression. "Not really. I’m Monica. Nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you all from the boss."

Elena’s smile warmed. "Nice to meet you too. Have a seat, dear. The dinner is ready, the staff is preparing the table."

Miles grinned. "I’m starving, Mom. I can’t wait."

Monica chuckled at his enthusiasm, and Miles turned to the twins. "Come on, my little soldiers, tell me about your day at school."

The atmosphere soon filled with laughter and chatter. Monica engaged Daniel and Elena in light conversation, her voice softer than usual.

"I have never seen the boss like this," Monica admitted with a small smile. "I’m very glad he found his family."

Elena’s eyes softened as she glanced at her son. "He came back, and our dull and struggling life became happier."

Daniel nodded firmly. "He is a very good son."

Elena clapped her hands lightly. "The dinner is arranged on the table. Come on, let’s eat."

Hope and Asher immediately rushed to their seats, giggling. Everyone followed, settling around the grand dining table.

The dishes were served in order, steaming plates of Elena’s cooking laid neatly before them. Monica tasted each dish with delight and looked at Elena with genuine praise. "This is wonderful. You’re an incredible cook."

Elena smiled modestly. "I’ve made a special cherry pie for dessert tonight."

Hope’s eyes sparkled like jewels. "I love cherry pie!"

Soon, generous slices were placed in front of everyone.

Miles leaned forward eagerly. "This looks delicious."

Daniel nodded in agreement. "She makes amazing cherry pies."

Monica, however, didn’t touch hers right away. She stared at the pie, her expression distant.

Miles noticed and leaned in slightly. "Is there any problem? Don’t you like sweets?"

Elena turned her gaze toward Monica, concerned.

Monica blinked, snapping out of her trance. "Nothing... it looks very tempting." She forced a small smile and lifted her fork, taking a bite.

But the moment the flavors touched her tongue, her eyes watered. Elena caught it immediately.

"Oh dear, is it not to your liking?" she asked softly.

Monica shook her head quickly, swallowing back her emotion. "No, it’s so delicious. My family cook used to make cherry pie just like this. She passed away of old age. It reminded me of her."

A silence fell for a second before Asher stretched his tiny hand out, holding a napkin. "Here."

Monica’s lips curved into a tender smile as she patted his head and accepted it. "Thanks."

Miles, watching the exchange, smiled quietly, though he noticed something deeper stirring behind Monica’s expression—something unspoken that no one else seemed to catch.

The next morning came quiet and golden. The Sunday sunlight spilled between the maple leaves as Miles worked out in his private forest, his movements sharp and steady. The crunch of leaves under tiny feet broke the silence.

"Catch me if you can, Sister Monica!" Hope shouted, her voice echoing through the trees as she ran.

Monica laughed lightly, chasing after her before scooping the little girl into her arms. Hope squealed with laughter, kicking her legs.

Miles paused and looked over with a faint smile. "You look like a kid yourself."

Monica raised a brow playfully. "Really, boss? I saw you last night playing with them. You were just like a kid too."

Miles chuckled, shaking his head. Hope was set back down, and she ran off toward Asher, who was already gathering fallen leaves.

Monica’s smile softened. Then she looked at Miles, her tone more serious. "Boss, Grandpa is already in Star Harbor. He will come here soon."

Miles wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded. "Alright. We already talked about it last night during dinner. Mom says it’s good to have guests." He paused, frowning slightly. "What I don’t understand is why he wants to meet my family."

Monica only smiled knowingly. "You will know soon enough."

After breakfast, the family gathered in the living room. The warm scent of fresh tea filled the air as everyone sat comfortably. Elena leaned close to Monica, explaining the little details of her famous cherry pie recipe. Monica listened carefully, nodding at every step.

Then the sharp chime of the doorbell rang through the villa.

Elena set her teacup down quickly. "I’ll get it."

Monica stood as well, her voice calm. "He’s here." She followed Elena toward the door.

The heavy wooden door swung open. An old man stood at the threshold, tall though his frame carried the weight of age. His back was straight, his presence dignified, his silver hair neatly combed. Deep lines etched his face, but his eyes were sharp—eyes that carried wisdom and untold stories. He held a walking stick, not as a necessity, but almost like a symbol of authority.

Elena froze. She stared at the man as if the world itself had stopped moving. Her lips trembled, her hands shook, and in the next second, tears spilled down her cheeks.

Her voice broke, trembling with disbelief. "Dad..."

To be continued...