章 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.