Chapter 67: The Black Sheep-Two
Mara remained silent, her jaw clenched. She could feel the weight of the room’s attention on her, Steve and Stefan standing next to her, their expressions wary; Stanford and Stanley, who had always been closer to Philip, and their grandfather, his sharp eyes narrowing as he watched the exchange.
"Uncle Philly!" Stanford and Stanley broke the tension, stepping forward to hug him tightly. Philip chuckled, patting their backs with a familiarity that made Mara’s skin crawl. He had always been the fun uncle, the one who bailed them out of trouble, who let them get away with things their parents never would. But now Mara doesn’t trust him. There was something about him, something off.
Steve and Stefan, on the other hand, kept their distance. Steve’s arms were crossed, his jaw tight, while Stefan’s expression was unreadable, though his eyes flicked to Mara, silently checking on her. They had never been close to Philip, and the way he was speaking to Mara now only deepened their unease.
Philip stepped further into the room, his presence commanding. He was the family’s black sheep, the one who had always resented his older brother’s success, who had always felt he deserved more. And now, with Mara’s return and the resurgence of the past, it was clear he had his agenda.
"It’s good to have you back, Stefania," Philip said again, his voice smooth but laced with something Mara couldn’t quite place. "We’ll make sure you’re taken care of. After all, you’re family."
Mara forced a small, tight smile, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. "Thank you, Uncle Philly."
Philip’s smile widened, but his eyes remained cold. "Of course, princess. Anything for family."
"What are you doing here, Philip?" Mr. Shepherd Sr. asked, his voice cold, unreadable.
Philip smirked, stepping further into the room. "To see my niece, our little Stefania. What else, Dad? Am I not welcome here?" His tone dripped with sarcasm.
Mr. Shepherd Sr. chose to ignore him, though his jaw tightened. He had a plan to introduce Mara to the family and the world. But Philip’s arrival shifted everything.
"Of course you’re welcome, Uncle," Stanley said, flashing a practiced smile.