Chapter 73: That’s final
The family gathered in the family room. Unlike the usual atmosphere in the family, one could feel the tension in the room even before everyone was seated.
Glancing at Charles in the head seat, Penny pursed her lips.
Her father’s expression was stern and unrelenting, very different from his usual happy-go-lucky nature. Allison still looked gentle, but under this circumstance, one could tell she was in a submissive mode. Atlas and Hugo also shared their father’s unyielding countenance while Slater was just frowning.
Nina, who was seated next to Allison, kept her head down. She had her hands trembling on her lap, and one could see the tears dripping on the back of her hands.
Haines was also in the room, but he stayed in the corner. He was acting more like a spectator, close enough to see and listen to everything, but far enough to be included.
"Hugo, Atlas, Slater, Penny," Charles started, his voice was commanding. "It’s true that we and Mrs. Cortez, the woman who raised Penny and Nina’s blood-related aunt came to an agreement. We’re going to send Nina back to her."
The brothers’s faces instantly turned sour while Allison’s worry leaped to another level.
"Nina has always been a part of our family. Dad, you promised she would stay with us even when you found Penny!" Slater couldn’t help but speak his mind. "How could you go back on your words?!"
Nina hiccuped upon hearing Slater’s remarks. "Third brother, it’s — it’s okay." She lifted her eyes, only to show her swollen eyes and red face from crying.
Seeing how devastated and pitiful she appeared, Slater’s heart clenched.