Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

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?!"

73 That's final

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.

"How is this okay?" he muttered as a layer of tears coated his

these years! How can she live in that household - do they

duh?'Penny mentally rolled her eyes at Slater's concerns. I didn't work hard at three years old to have cold

at Nina again and felt pressured to speak more. "Mom, please don't do this," he

also spoke. "Why

his

decision for your

losing it earlier and I accept any punishments that come with it. However, it is true, I am still disappointed about everything. I will understand if you can't tell Slater, but Atlas and I are old enough to understand the situation. This is about our sister, after all." Allison

73 That's final

at

that we only agreed Nina would stay with her aunt only on weekdays and then she can stay

stiffened. 2

question as if he

couldn't help but

a weird way to

the point?" Slater grumbled. "It doesn't change the fact Nina will still have

fine. If I can come here on the weekend,

cast her a glance. Nina didn't tell him about this. All she said was that their parents were sending her away because she wasn't their real daughter. She didn't say exactly, but that was how it came

that

kids... let me clear up this misunderstanding.." Charles cleared his throat as

375

<

73 That's final

family. However, facts are facts. No matter how much we love and cherish Nina, she also has another family who wants to be a part of her life. We cannot take that away from them because just like how we missed the 13 years of Penny's

stay with her aunt five days a week and she can come here on the weekends. Meanwhile, since the Cortez also cares for Penny, they can visit her," he continued in the same stern voice, not allowing anyone

appreciate the words you spewed recklessly to your mom. You'd be grounded until I've seen you reflect on your actions," Charles moved on and then cast Slater a look. "Slater, apologize to your mom. I'll be lenient to you because you're focusing on your studies. However, if you speak without