Chapter 37: A Family's Gamble

The silence in the West estate's meeting room was intense, interrupted only by the faint ticking of an antique clock on the wall. Richard stood at the head of the table; his usual commanding composure disfigured by the tension written all over his face. Nathan sat opposite him, his arms folded on his chest and his expression firm. Scarlett, sat down beside Nathan, their hands glued together as they felt the weight of the situation the family's fractured alliances got on the edge.

Alex relaxed in his chair looking unconcerned with everything they were saying, the smirk on his face doing little to hide the trace of hatred he had for them. Caroline, seated near Richard, looked nervously between them, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Victoria remained near the door, an unreadable expression on her face as she observed the family.