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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

has been with us all these years! How can she live

rolled her eyes at Slater's concerns. I didn't work

to speak more. "Mom, please don't do this," he shook his head, almost begging

Slater spoke, Atlas also spoke. "Why is it important to send her

his eldest's cold

for your mom and

you had a hard time," Hugo remarked, thinking of how their parents happily had dinner with them last night. “Mom, Dad, I'm sorry for losing it earlier and I accept any punishments that come with it. However, it is true,

73 That's final

looked at

with her aunt only on weekdays and then she can stay with us on weekends?" This time, Hugo furrowed her

stiffened. 2

word his question as

Penny, on the other hand, couldn't help but gaze at her father as she picked up the disappointment

weird way to ask the question,' she

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

If I can come here on the weekend, at least I can still spend some time with you." Haines sighed. 'Now, she's acting like she didn't know about the conditions of the

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

that

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

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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

the weekends. Meanwhile, since the Cortez also cares for Penny, they can visit her,"

I know you're disappointed with this. However, I am also disappointed at how you reacted without clearing this up with us calmly. I do not 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 thinking

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