[Hunts Point, Washington.]
That evening, the Lee Family mansion appeared different from usual. Classic lanterns adorning the building's fa?ade emitted a warm and beautiful light. The entrance was decorated with a large silver crown that exuded grandeur and majesty.
In front of the mansion, a black limousine pulled up at the gate. The driver stepped out of the car and opened the door for four passengers. A golden-haired woman in a white dress exited first, followed by a younger girl in a pink dress. Then, two gentlemen in elite suits stepped out last.
"I want to go home," the girl in the pink dress remarked.
"We've just arrived, Joanna," Anna said. "You haven't seen your grandfather in a long time. Don't you want to meet him?"
"I'm sure he's fine," Joanna replied curtly.
"If you keep complaining, you can stay in the car until dinner is over," Steve said firmly, his gaze serious as he said it.
Joanna sighed. "Okay, okay."
"Let's go," Steve said.
As they walked ahead towards the mansion, Klaus still stood in place. His eyes were fixed on the golden lanterns of the mansion.
"Klaus, come on!" Steve urged.
They entered the mansion with confidence, and they were immediately greeted by dozens of maid classic uniforms with neatly arranged hairstyles. These maids helped hang their coats and directed the guests to the main hall.
Inside, the luxurious mansion's atmosphere appeared even more spectacular. Crystal chandeliers reflected soft yellow light adorned the high ceilings, creating dazzling shimmer. The gleaming marble floor served as a grand runway towards the main dining area.
"Oh! Steve! Anna!"
As Klaus set foot in the central hall, he and the family met his uncle—William Lee.
"Steve! Oh my God. You haven't changed a bit. Smile, lil bro!" William said in a feigned familiarity.
Steve simply smiled thinly in response.
After exchanging greetings with his younger brother, William warmly embraced Anna and inquired about her well-being. He then ruffled the head of his niece.
"Huh, Joanna! Since last summer, your height hasn't changed a bit. You haven't grown an inch," William said with a smile.
Joanna gritted her teeth but still attempted a smile. "Maybe if you stop patting my head, I can grow taller," she said sarcastically.
Taking the sarcasm as a joke, William laughed heartily.
"How are you, Uncle Will?" Klaus initiated the inquiry about William's well-being.
William smiled thinly. "Same shit different day." He placed a hand on Klaus's shoulder. "I've heard a lot about you lately. You're truly remarkable."
William may have been being complimentary, but Klaus could see the bitterness on his uncle's face. There was worry behind that man's smile, and of course, Klaus knew what was bothering him.
"Klaus."
A warm voice came from a young man with wavy brown hair. He smiled warmly as he drew close to Klaus.
"Congratulations on acquiring Morning Star. Honestly, I was quite surprised when you got it. I'm genuinely happy for your success."
"Thank you, Edward," Klaus replied.
Though both were wearing smiles, beneath the surface, they were far from friendly. They were in a cold war. However, they were at a family event. They had to maintain composure no matter what.
After the warm reunion, they briefly discussed recent developments in the family business while enjoying the refreshments served by one of the waitresses. Klaus spoke with Edward about his new role in the Morning Star guild, while Steve and Anna talked about the success and happiness of their children.
Suddenly, Anna inquired about Liliana, who usually attended family gatherings like this. William looked at the floor for a moment before giving an understanding answer, "Liliana didn't come tonight. Noah's death seems to have hit her really hard. Plus, she's grieving alone."
Anna raised her eyebrows. "Alone? What about Johan? Hasn't he returned from Germany yet?"
William shook his head.
Sympathetic expressions spread across Anna's face. She understood that this was a difficult time for Liliana, and her absence was entirely justified.
Amidst their warm reunion, Robert Lee appeared in his impeccable attire. An aura of authority permeated the air as the old man looked at his offspring. He gazed at them with an intense expression.
"It seems not everyone is present," Robert said, his lips forming a frown as he looked at them. "Well, let's begin the dinner. There's something important I want to discuss with all of you."
The family head led his family members into the dining room.
Everyone took their seats at the luxurious dining table, and dinner commenced. The professional waiters served delicious dishes with expertise. From the sophisticated appetizers to the mouthwatering main course, everything was meticulously prepared. The Lee family savored every mouthful, chatting and laughing between sips of delicious wine.
William, who was always the lively and humorous figure at family gatherings, tried to liven up the atmosphere with his funny stories. Laughing together, they momentarily forgot about the burdens of the business world and any issues that might exist.
"Klaus, you know, every time your dad wet the bed, he would hide the sheets under the bed and tell the maid he lost them while he was sleeping. The maid simply agreed and told this to your grandma. Since your grandma was a good person, she told us not to say anything. Funny thing, Steve did that for three years." Jacob laughed heartily after revealing his younger brother's secret. "He thought we never knew."
Anna laughed heartily, as did Joanna. Meanwhile, Steve shook his head in response. His face was red with embarrassment.
"Hey, dear. Why didn't you ever tell me this?" Anna teased.
Steve snorted. "You never asked, so why would I tell you?" He didn't look at Anna and continued eating his meal.
Seeing her husband's annoyance, Anna giggled.
As everyone laughed and enjoyed the dinner, Robert seemed to take no pleasure in it at all. There was no smile on his face. He merely focused on his plate and chewed his food. No one except Klaus noticed the head family's mood.
"Why did you invite us here if you're not enjoying your dinner, Grandpa?" Klaus muttered.
From the beginning, Klaus had felt that something was amiss this evening. Their grandfather would typically only gather the family if there was a company event or on Christmas Eve. There was nothing particularly special about today. In fact, this extravagant dinner was rather out of place.
Klaus had a feeling that something significant was happening tonight, and it was proving right.
In the midst of their merriment, Robert suddenly tapped his glass with his fork, and instantly, the atmosphere fell silent.
As family members looked at Robert with puzzled expressions, he rose from his seat. His wise face had a serious expression, and his calm voice made everyone immediately hush to listen.
"Dear Lee Family," Robert said with a slightly trembling voice, "I must speak about something of utmost importance. I can no longer hide this from you."
"Dad, come on. You're speaking like someone who's about to die," William cracked a joke.
However, Robert remained silent. His facial expression stayed the same, causing William to swallow his words.
"Yes, you're right. I'm dying," Robert said. "I don't have much time left."
Naturally, the Lee Family was shocked. The warm and cheerful atmosphere had suddenly turned tense. They looked at each other, unable to believe what they had just heard.
"Father, you're joking, right?" William asked incredulously. He was truly not ready for this news.
"Do I look like I'm joking in your eyes, Will?"
William lowered his head as Robert questioned him.
Steve rose from his seat. Just like his older brother, he couldn't accept this reality. However, he could only clench his fists. He simply couldn't contain the mixed feelings in his heart.
Meanwhile, the other family members fell silent. They laid down their forks and knives with somber expressions. The appetite had gone from their minds, leaving only mixed feelings and worries.
"I've been diagnosed with Dungeon Lethargy, and according to the doctors, I only have three months left. I didn't want to tell you this, but the pain has been getting worse day by day. I feel like my death is coming sooner," Robert explained.
After learning about the head of the family's affliction, they were all taken aback. Shock and concern were clearly etched on their faces. Edward, Steve, Anna, and Joanna looked at their grandfather with a mix of sadness and loss.
Robert continued with a weak voice, "Because my death is imminent, I feel it's essential to revisit the matter of inheritance. I've thought it over carefully, and there will be significant changes regarding the conditions for the sole heir of LR Enterprise."
His words left them speechless.
The moment added more tension to the already charged atmosphere. The aura of concern swiftly transformed into an air of competition. Edward and Klaus gritted their teeth as they heard about changes to the will. Both had prepared plans to win this inheritance dispute. But who would have thought that the situation would take an unexpected turn just when they believed everything was going smoothly?
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