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Chapter_503
Theodore’s family hustled into the decontamination room, shedding their day clothes and embracing
the sterility of the room. Yannick’s tantrum was still echoing through the halls, a lingering reminder of
the tension that had gripped the household.
Hayden’s family stood back, observing the scene unfold with a wary detachment. They waited until
Theodore’s family emerged, and Theodore restored to his usual calm demeanor before they ventured
into the room themselves.
It was just a matter of a bath and a change of clothes, they reasoned, a small price to pay for peace of
mind.
Before Hayden’s daughter, Mara stepped into the chamber, she smiled enthusiastically at her cousin,
Percival. “Percival, wait for me. We’ll catch up properly once I’m done,” she said.
Percival managed a weary nod in response, his expression softening at the sight of his cousin.
Vivienne was not surprised. On the way over, Percival mentioned that Mara was the only one still in
touch with Cecilia. Their bond had only grown stronger since their studies together in Rivenwood, and
Mara had always been the little sister who idolized Percival the most.
When Isolde was born, Mara had even sent a gift—a delicate gold bracelet.
In Percival’s eyes, Mara was the only Boyd worth acknowledging as family. The two of them had even
recognized each other as brother and sister.
Eliza followed the others into the decontamination room, silently taking her turn without comment.
The Boyd family members eventually all gathered together. Mara enveloped Percival in a tight hug.
“Percival, it’s been too long. I’ve missed you so much. You never text me back.”
“I’ve been busy,” Percival replied, subtly stepping back to create some distance between them, his
eyes darting to Vivienne as if seeking understanding.
Vivienne simply arched an eyebrow, choosing to remain silent.
“I thought you wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow. Had I known, I would’ve returned tonight to have dinner
with you,” Mara said, her voice chipper. It was clear she was the most joyful member of the Boyds.
“We were waiting for everyone to come back for dinner,” Percival said, flashing a knowing smile.
Mara glanced at Wendy, sighing helplessly.
Grandma was playing her old tricks again, as predictable as ever.
Theodore cleared his throat, relieved to find his voice working again, and said, “We’ve already eaten
outside, and the Boyds don’t usually do suppers. You two will have to wait until tomorrow to eat
together.”
His wife, Teresa, said, “Right, it’s late, Mom. Let me help you to bed.”
Wendy stood up gracefully. “Sure, let’s head back. Percival, your rooms are downstairs by the
staircase. You must be tired after the flight. Get some rest, and the rest of you should do the same.”
Mara bristled at the slight. “Grandma, the space under the stairwell is for the nanny. You can’t expect
Percival to sleep there.”
Before Wendy could respond, Yannick retorted with a sneer, “Then why don’t you give up your room to
your darling brother? Always causing trouble.”
“Yannick, nobody would mistake you for mute if you stayed quiet,” Mara snapped coldly.
“Enough! You two stop bickering. Don’t you see Grandma wants to rest?” Theodore scolded, ready to
ascend the stairs.
Hayden’s family and Eliza rose to their feet but remained hesitant.
They had a feeling things were not going to be so straightforward.
Vivienne’s soft call, “Leaving?” stopped Theodore’s family and Wendy in their tracks, a cold sweat
breaking out on their brows.
Vivienne tilted her head, annoyance creeping into her voice. “The head of the household hasn’t eaten
yet, and you want to rest? Are the Boyds’ rules so easily forgotten?”
She did not relish using her authority to intimidate.
But it seemed some were determined to test her patience.
Wendy’s eyes flickered with malice before she subdued it. “We didn’t mean any disrespect. It’s just
that… I am getting on in years…”
Before she could finish, Vivienne stood up and surveyed the room. “Where’s the dining area?” She
asked Mara.
Mara pointed to the left. “It’s there, but… it’s so late, and we don’t have much food prepared. How will
we eat?”
Vivienne’s lips pressed into a thin line. “There’s a delivery app in Veridia. You mean to tell me the
Boyds don’t know about it?”
The Boyds stood silently, insulted by the implication of their ignorance.
Vivienne’s gaze swept over them as she flatly stated, “You will join us for dinner.”
With that, she took Percival’s arm and swanned into the prime seat at the dining table.
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The Boyds wanted to object, but Vivienne’s regal presence and recent events forced them to swallow
their protests.
However, as they watched Vivienne claim the head of the table, they exchanged uneasy glances.
Where were they supposed to sit now?
Then, as if on cue, Wendy and Theodore’s family – the first branch, moved like marionettes, taking
their places at the dining table.
With the seniors leading by example, Hayden’s family – the second branch, and Eliza had no choice
but to follow.
Soon, the beleaguered butler arrived with bags full of ingredients and barbecue fare.
Vivienne was determined to have a spicy feast in the Boyd Mansion!
Yet, cutlery in hand, Vivienne watched them with a chilling smile. “Not hungry?”
Her smile held a frosty edge, a silent warning to those who dared defy her.
Even Wendy was methodically munching away, bite after bite.
Seeing this, the rest of the family reluctantly joined in.
But the food seemed endless. No sooner had they cleared a platter of steaks than another was set
down in its place.
Then, it escalated. Baked, fried, grilled – you name it, it was served.
Each person also had a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes and a side of garlic bread placed before
them. Draмaոovеls.cом
She and Percival had gone all day without food, so this feast was nothing to them.
But it felt like torture for the rest of the Boyds, who had eaten their fill.
During the meal, Eliza and Nancy dashed to the bathroom to throw up, only to return and continue
eating.
They had hoped to appeal to Wendy for some relief, but she kept eating, so they could not very well
stop.
Finally, after they had managed to clear the table, Vivienne casually handed out super-sized
milkshakes to everyone.
The overly sweet milkshake and their already bursting bellies were almost too much to bear.
Vivienne, holding her milkshake, smiled and said cheerily. “We can’t waste food.”
