When Blood Turns Cold

That evening, the Rosewood family home buzzed with life as everyone gathered for dinner. Andrew took his place at the head of the grand dining table, his presence commanding yet warm. Diamond sat to his left, and beside her was Alina, her smile lighting up the room.

Across from Alina sat Alexander, who had been invited to join the meal. His easygoing demeanor added a sense of comfort to the gathering. Next to him was Lisa, who was in a cheerful mood.

Andrew couldn't help but smile as he looked around the table. It had been so long since the family had shared a meal, and seeing everyone together again filled him with quiet joy.

"We need to ask Philip to take a break as well," Diamond said, her eyes scanning the table. Her gaze then landed on the empty chair opposite her, to Andrew's left, and her elegant demeanor faltered slightly. "Alex, didn't I ask Titan to ensure David knew he was expected at dinner tonight?"

Alex sighed inwardly. While David rarely came home for meals, he always stayed informed about family events. Knowing Alina was present, David had specifically asked Alex to cover for him.

"Auntie, David's tied up with work," Alex said apologetically. "I doubt he'll be able to make it tonight, though I'm sure he'd love to take a break."

Andrew's expression darkened. "If he wants to take a break, he should do so with his family. Call him now and tell him to come," he said firmly, his disappointment evident.

Andrew's frustration was rooted deeper than just tonight's absence. First, Philip had gone against expectations, pursuing a career of his choosing and marrying without consulting them—a decision Andrew felt robbed him of the chance to pick someone more suitable. Until now, David had been the obedient son, respecting the family's wishes and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Andrew and Diamond prided themselves on not pressuring their children excessively, but when things started to slip out of their control, they weren't above using whatever means necessary to restore order.

Alina shifted uncomfortably in her seat, debating whether to speak up or remain silent. Finally, she decided to break the tension. "Uncle, it's alright if Brother David can't make it tonight. I'm sure he's busy with work. There's no need to be upset over this. We can always have a family dinner when he's free," she said gently, her tone soothing and respectful.

Her words brought a soft smile to Diamond's lips. She reached out and placed her hand affectionately on Andrew's arm, which rested on the table. "Alina is right, darling. Let's let it go tonight. I don't want you feeling upset over the children anymore."

Andrew sighed and leaned back in his chair, his rigid demeanor easing slightly. Sensing the change in his mood, Diamond discreetly signaled the maid to begin serving the food.

The dining table was adorned with an array of dishes, but one stood out among the rest: lasagna. Diamond personally served a generous portion onto Alina's plate, her smile warm and motherly. "Look at you—you've become so skinny. I made sure to have your favorite dishes prepared. Start with this one; it's your favorite," she said with affection.

Alina smiled brightly as she took a bite. "It's so delicious, Auntie," she said sincerely, savoring the taste.

Everyone at the table, except Alex, couldn't help but silently admire Alina. Her gentle demeanor and effortless charm were hard to overlook. Lisa, on the other hand, grinned mischievously. In her mind, Alina's presence meant she finally had someone to share her playful antics with, and the thought thrilled her.

The lively chatter continued throughout dinner as Alina shared stories about her school days, from her struggles with assignments to humorous memories that had everyone chuckling. She also spoke about her aspirations, while Andrew and Diamond, ever the doting aunt and uncle, chimed in with advice and praises, always eager to guide her toward what they believed was best.

Lisa eagerly joined the conversation, her curiosity piqued. "Are you a good storyteller, Aunt Alina?" she asked, her mischievous grin hinting at playful teasing. Her remarks often drew laughter, lightening the mood even further.

Alex, on the other hand, remained mostly quiet, only contributing to the discussion when the topic shifted to the Dawn Group.

After dinner, Andrew excused himself and headed to his study, leaving the others to unwind. Alina and Lisa settled into the living room, flipping through channels until they landed on a show that caught their interest. The two giggled and chatted as the TV played in the background.

Meanwhile, Diamond and Alex stepped out onto the balcony. The cool evening breeze carried a sense of calm, and Diamond leaned against the railing, gazing at the city lights. Alex took a seat nearby, his posture relaxed but his expression thoughtful.

"Is everything alright with David?" Diamond asked suddenly.

Alex straightened in his seat, his brows furrowing slightly. "What makes you think something's wrong?" he asked cautiously.

"I heard he recently sold his apartment and bought a villa," Diamond replied

Although Alex already knew from Emerald that David had purchased the villa for her, he couldn't hide his surprise at learning that David had also sold his apartment. He masked his emotions quickly, but the revelation left him unsettled.

"I don't know, Aunt," Alex said flatly, leaning back in his chair. "He's stopped involving me in his personal matters lately."

Diamond sighed deeply, her worry evident. "Do you think he likes someone?" she asked.

Alex paused, carefully considering his response. "Maybe you should try asking him that yourself," he said after a moment. "He hasn't mentioned anything to me."

Diamond shook her head, a faint smile of resignation crossing her face. "You know David—he'd never let me worry about him. He's always been good at keeping things to himself."

Her expression turned more serious as she continued. "But I need you to keep an eye on him, Alex. Ask him if you can, and let me know if there's anything I should be concerned about. I trust my son, but I also know how some girls can be—chasing after him for his wealth and status. I won't let any gold digger force her way into his life."

"I'll do my best, Aunt Diamond."

Diamond's face lit up with a warm smile as she spoke, her excitement evident. "You know, I've been thinking—I want David and Alina to get engaged in the coming weeks," she said, her tone filled with anticipation. "After that, I'll give them some time to get to know each other better and settle into things before we start planning the wedding."

Her happiness was palpable, and Alex managed a polite smile in return, though his thoughts were racing. He wondered how David would react to this news, especially considering everything that had been happening lately. But for now, he simply nodded, choosing to stay neutral.

"That's quite a plan, Aunt Diamond," he said, his voice steady. "I'm sure you've thought it all through."

Diamond nodded confidently, completely unaware of the potential storm brewing beneath the surface.

Monday morning began like any other for Emerald. She followed her usual routine, heading to school with her lesson plans in tow. By mid-morning, she found herself in the teacher's lounge, using a free period before lunch to prepare math test papers for her students.

As she meticulously reviewed the questions, her phone buzzed unexpectedly. Glancing at the screen, she noticed an unfamiliar number. Frowning slightly, she hesitated before answering.

"Hello, this is Emerald speaking," she said calmly, and professionally.

The reply left her momentarily stunned.

A deep, magnetic voice on the other end greeted her, one she recognized instantly. It was a voice she hadn't expected to hear—a voice that made her heart skip a beat.