"Let the drama officially begin," Luis said.
The car came to a smooth stop in front of the main residence.
Ava immediately looked had that Angel like smile
Several servants stepped forward and opened the car doors.
"Young Master. Young Miss."
Luis smiled brightly.
The servants guided them through the entrance and into the main hallway.
The hallway itself was breathtaking.
Warm golden lighting illuminated the space while sunlight poured through towering floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the estate gardens. The polished marble floors reflected the elegant crystal chandeliers hanging overhead.
Ancient oil paintings of the Quinn family ancestors lined one side of the corridor, while modern digital artwork rotated slowly on transparent holographic displays along the other.
Dark walnut wall panels mixed seamlessly with futuristic metallic accents.
Fresh flowers decorated every corner.
The entire hallway somehow managed to feel welcoming and luxurious while quietly reminding everyone exactly how powerful the Quinn family was.
Eventually, they arrived at the First Hall.
The room was enormous.
Warm.
Comfortable.
Yet undeniably imposing.
A massive fireplace stretched along one side of the hall while soft cream, gold, and dark wood tones dominated the interior.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a gentle glow across the room.
More than twenty one large couches were arranged in a circular formation.
Each couch was large enough to comfortably seat over ten people.
Between every seating area stood a different style of table.
Some were made of transparent glass with floating holographic decorations beneath the surface.
Others were carved from ancient dark wood decorated with intricate patterns.
Some looked futuristic and sleek.
Others resembled priceless antique masterpieces.
Every single piece looked expensive enough to buy a house.
At the center sat the rulers of the family.
Madam Quinn occupied the largest couch.
Her silver hair was perfectly styled, and she wore an elegant champagne-colored silk dress embroidered with delicate gold details.
A pearl necklace rested around her neck while matching earrings completed the look.
She carried a gentle and warm aura.
The kind grandmother everyone trusted.
Unfortunately, anyone who looked into her eyes would immediately realize she wasn't nearly as harmless as she appeared.
Those calm eyes were perfectly neutral.
Watching.
Evaluating.
Ready to deal with anyone foolish enough to cross the line.
Beside her sat Old Man Quinn.
Unlike his dignified wife, he was completely focused on playing with her hair.
He twisted a silver strand around his finger before releasing it and repeating the process.
Not a single ounce of shame could be found on his face despite the audience.
Madam Quinn calmly sipped her tea and ignored him.
Clearly this wasn't new.
On the second couch sat Ava and Luis's parents.
Nathan Quinn wore a cream-colored designer hoodie layered over a fitted black shirt, paired with tailored cargo trousers and luxury sneakers his Amber eyes contain only his woman.
His outfit looked casual.
The watch on his wrist alone could buy several apartments.
Beside him sat Emily.
She looked almost identical to Ava.
She wore a white cropped sweater, high-waisted cream trousers, diamond earrings, and soft makeup that highlighted her naturally stunning features her red hair let down.
Anyone seeing them together would immediately know they were mother and daughter.
Emily was currently eating fruit while feeding pieces to Nathan.
Nathan accepted them without complaint.
The two looked disgustingly happy.
Ava immediately looked away.
The third couch belonged to Sophia's family.
Vera Carter sat elegantly with her legs crossed the last born out of four children and only daughter of the Quinn family.
She wore a deep emerald-green evening gown made from silk that shimmered softly beneath the lights. The fitted design highlighted her graceful figure while intricate beadwork decorated the sleeves and neckline.
Beside her sat Peter Vale.
His custom-made charcoal-black suit fit perfectly, paired with a silver tie and polished leather shoes. Every detail screamed old money and refinement.
Between them sat Sophia.
She looked effortlessly beautiful in a light ice-blue fitted crop top with thin straps and a subtle scoop neckline.
A flowing white tiered maxi skirt decorated with delicate lace patterns fell elegantly around her legs.
A thin silver choker rested around her neck alongside a dainty pendant necklace.
Small silver hoop earrings framed her face while several thin silver bangles decorated her wrist.
A structured light-blue shoulder bag with a silver chain strap sat beside her.
Her cloud-shaped slippers added a surprisingly cute touch.
Her waist-length black hair flowed down her back like silk.
The fourth couch belonged to First Uncle Diego and his family the eldest son.
Diego wore a dark navy tailored suit with a burgundy tie.
Faith wore a graceful lavender dress decorated with subtle floral embroidery and diamond accessories.
Their eldest daughter, Winter, looked every bit the successful corporate executive.
She wore a fitted white pantsuit with silver jewelry and sleek heels.
Beside her sat her fiancé, Damien Davenmore, dressed in a black custom suit with a platinum watch.
Frank, their second child and current university student, wore a fitted black sweater, dark jeans, and designer sneakers.
Summer, who was the same age as Ava, wore an oversized pastel-pink sweater, white tennis skirt, knee-high socks, and matching sneakers.
The fifth couch belonged to Third Uncle Thomas and his family the third child.
Thomas wore a dark green tailored suit while his wife Evelyn wore an elegant cream-colored dress decorated with pearls.
Their son Vickey, the same age as Luis 17, wore a black turtleneck paired with gray trousers and a long tailored coat.
His elder sister Maria, who was the same age as Ava, wore a soft blue cardigan over a white dress with silver accessories and ballet flats.
The hall was already crowded.
And Ava knew this wasn't even half the family yet.
The moment she stepped inside, dozens of eyes turned toward her and Luis.
Ava immediately felt a headache coming
.
Luis, however, looked delighted.
The holiday had officially become a battlefield.
Everyone's eyes turned toward Luis and Ava as they entered the hall.
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Ava called.
She immediately ran over and kissed both of them on the cheek.
Old Master Quinn clicked his tongue dramatically.
"Silly girl. Chasing your crush all day and forgetting to keep your old grandfather company."
Ava laughed.
"Oh? Ava has a new crush?" Madam Quinn asked with interest. "If this one lasts long enough, bring him home for Grandma to see."
Ava pretended not to hear that part and quickly escaped to her parents' couch.
She sat beside her mother before turning toward the others.
"Uncle. Aunt."
She greeted everyone politely before falling silent.
Luis placed a hand over his chest dramatically.
"So Grandma and Grandpa have forgotten me already? If I hadn't dragged Ava here, she wouldn't have come. Yet I don't even get a word of praise."
He walked over and dropped onto the couch between his grandparents.
Madam Quinn lightly smacked his arm.
"You still have the nerve to complain?
Seeing you is rarer than seeing two moons in the sky, you stupid grandson of mine."
Luis only laughed and stuck out his tongue.
"The rarer I am, the more love I get, Grandma. It's a strategy."
Old Master Quinn snorted.
"A terrible strategy."
Evenly chuckled from the third couch.
"My, Ava. Don't you have too many crushes? Whenever you see a beautiful face, you follow after it. Be careful you don't get deceived and bring a leech home."
Ava opened her mouth, but Emily beat her to it.
"Don't worry," Emily said sweetly. "No one can bring home a worse leech than you, Third Sister-in-law."
She smiled brightly while leaning against Nathan's shoulder for him to say something.
The atmosphere instantly became delicate.
Evenly's smile stiffened.
Nathan casually joined the battle.
"Hmm. Emily is right."
Everyone looked at him.
"Didn't Third Brother marry you because of your beauty?"
Nathan looked genuinely thoughtful.
"You were only a C-list actress back then and your family was such a disaster even reporters got headaches writing about them."
Evenly's expression darkened.
Nathan continued calmly.
"If Third Brother could raise your status this high, I don't think I'll lose to him when it comes to taking care of my future son-in-law if Ava really does bring home a leech."
Evenly's smile completely cracked.
Faith immediately covered her mouth to hide her laughter.
Thomas quietly looked away.
He had long since learned not to participate when his family started fighting.
Vera set down her teacup.
"Enough."
Her voice remained gentle.
"This is the Unity Holiday."
She smiled politely.
"Second Sister-in-law, Third Sister-in-law, please don't cause trouble."
Then she looked at Nathan.
"And Second Brother, perhaps stop encouraging it."
Nathan looked innocent.
"I didn't do anything."
Several people nearly rolled their eyes.
"We're all family," Vera continued.
Then she turned toward Luis.
"And Luis, stop disturbing your grandparents. Go sit with your parents instead of bothering the elders."
Luis blinked.
His grandparents looked far more entertained than bothered.
Vera continued without pause.
"And Ava should focus more on her studies rather than chasing boys."
.
"And Luis should—"
Vera paused.
Faith's lips twitched.
"Should what?" Faith asked pleasantly.
The room went quiet.
Faith smiled.
"You know Luis is excellent academically."
Vera remained silent.
Faith continued.
"If Luis's name isn't in the top five on international youth intelligence rankings, then whose is?"
Luis calmly stole a grape from his grandmother's fruit plate.
Faith pointed at him.
"Not only that, he's talented in technology, engineering, and innovation projects."
She looked back at Vera.
"So I'm curious. What exactly should Luis improve?"
Vera narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Ava, girl, see? This is why I always say you should show off more. People start thinking you're stupid."Evenly crossed her legs elegantly.
"Who here knows that you've already received five university admissions and are only waiting to choose one? And they're all top universities where status doesn't matter."
She smiled.
"We haven't even talked about all the others you rejected."
Then she glanced toward Sophia.
"How many admissions has Sophia gotten, sister-in-law Vera?"
Vera's expression stiffened slightly.
Ava sighed dramatically.
"I don't need to brag. Luis shines academically. I'll shine in business."
She pointed at herself.
"I'm already busy handling the businesses ma keeps throwing at me. I barely have time to remember anything else."
"Enough. Enough. Enough."
Grandpa Quinn waved his hand.
"You people should leave Ava alone."
He looked at his granddaughter fondly of course he is fond of her his wife had thrown her bussiness at her and his is free having fun not worrying at all as Ava didn't give a reason for her to worry as akzy as Ava was especially when this business was her favourite type he would have given his business out but Nathan doesn't want it Luis is already hiding from Nathan who wants to give him his bussiness he can't be like his daughter in law Emily who knows Ava was handling his wife job yet still gave her company to you and the rest of his children and grandchildren forget about it .
"She's handling part of her grandmother's business. Naturally, she has to focus her energy there."
"What?"
Diego shot to his feet.
"Mom, what the hell?"
Thomas frowned.
"This isn't fair. What does a child know about running a company?"
"Shut up."
Grandma Quinn's voice cut through the room instantly.
The hall fell silent.
"You fight over your father's inheritance. Mine is none of your business."
Her cold gaze swept over her sons.
"And you call Ava a child now?"
She laughed lightly.
"I didn't hear anyone calling her a child when you needed her help."
The brothers froze.
"When I announced I was selecting a new CFO, none of you knew who it was."
Grandma Quinn took a sip of tea.
"You were all too busy trying to win over different people while cleaning up your own messes."
She set down her cup.
"The person handling every problem the Carter family created and several others besides?"
Her eyes landed on Ava.
"It was Ava."
The room became noticeably quieter.
"You were wary of that CFO."
"You were trying to win them over."
"You were afraid of offending them."
Grandma Quinn smiled.
"Now that you know it's Ava, suddenly she's a child?"
Her expression turned cold again.
"If any of you think you can use your age or status to control her, then you're dumber than I thought."
Then she looked directly at Ava.
"If they cross the line, deal with them the same way you'd deal with your enemies."
Several people nearly choked.
Ava blinked innocently.
"Grandma, we're family."
Her voice sounded soft and sweet.
"How could I possibly hurt my uncles and aunts?"
She sighed dramatically.
"It would pain me greatly."
Then her smile brightened.
"But if Grandma orders me to..."
Ava spread her hands helplessly.
"What choice do I have?"
"After all, I must listen to my elders."
The smile on her face remained perfectly charming.
Luis lowered his head.
His shoulders shook slightly.
He was trying very hard not to laugh.
"Enough."
Grandpa Quinn's voice cut through the room.
"The rest of the family will be arriving soon, and all of you are acting like wild animals."
He shook his head.
"If anyone has a problem with what my wife chooses to do, then leave the family."
His tone sounded almost joking.
Almost.
Nobody laughed.
Everyone present knew he meant every word.
If anyone dared challenge Grandma Quinn openly, Grandpa Quinn would not care whether they were family, blood relatives, or outsiders.
He would deal with them immediately.
Before the atmosphere could become any more awkward, Maria stood up gracefully.
"Grandpa, Grandma, please don't be angry."
Her voice was gentle and pleasant.
"Today is Unity Holiday. It's the day everyone comes together as one family. We should be celebrating, not arguing."
The atmosphere eased slightly.
Maria smiled softly.
"I just returned from the Capital City a few days ago and brought gifts for both Grandpa and Grandma."
Grandpa Quinn immediately became interested.
"Oh?"
Maria nodded.
"I know Grandpa loves art, especially antique pieces from before the Great War. Ancient works with centuries or even thousands of years of history."
She gestured lightly toward the servants.
"My art mentor heard I would be returning home and knew about Grandpa's love for antiques, so he helped me acquire a very special piece."
The servants carefully carried a large wooden case into the hall.
Maria continued.
"It originates from the era when the hybrids and demi-humans first established their own utopia and eventually became the Sixth Nation."
Grandpa Quinn's eyes immediately lit up.
Meanwhile Maria turned toward Grandma Quinn.
"And for Grandma..."
A second gift box was brought forward.
"I found an antique tea set once owned by an Empress Dowager. It was passed down through several generations of royal women."
Maria smiled warmly.
"It symbolizes power, grace, prestige, and beauty."
Her gaze landed on Grandma Quinn.
"Just like Grandma."
"And it also represents how true glory never fades no matter how much time passes."
The hall grew quiet.
Thomas nodded slightly from his seat.
As expected of my daughter.
She really knows how to smooth things over.
Beside him, Evenly lifted her chin proudly.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
Grandma Quinn accepted the compliment calmly, though the slight curve of her lips showed she was pleased.
Meanwhile Grandpa Quinn had already forgotten the argument.
His attention was completely fixed on the antique artwork.
"Good! Good! Good!"
He laughed heartily.
"Now this is a gift!"
His eyes were practically shining.
Anyone unfamiliar with the Quinn family might have thought he had never seen treasures before.
In reality, Grandpa Quinn owned countless priceless collections worth more than this.
The difference was that antiques like these were difficult to acquire even for people with money and status.
Many pieces had disappeared into private collections long ago.
Some could easily sell for over one hundred million or billions Zens.
Considering that in this nation people put a lot of value in culture of the past so stuff like this cost a lot of §) zones .
And this though it cost hundred million of zen it is worth five million CU dollars, the value was enough to make ordinary people dizzy.
Grandpa Quinn happily examined the gift while the atmosphere in the hall finally relaxed once more he was always a money and treasure lover even if he has a lot .
For now.
At least until the rest of the family arrived.
And everyone knew that was when the real drama would begin.