"Well now," Stephen surveyed the other four at the table, the curve of his lips deepening.
"Did my arrival suddenly render everyone speechless?"
His low, unhurried voice carried a hint of playful amusement.
Yet no one at the table laughed—not even the faintest trace of a smile appeared.
*What is there to say?*
The corners of Mrs. Mega's mouth twitched slightly as the silent thought echoed in her mind.
When blades were practically at each other's throats, what pleasantries could possibly be exchanged?
The Mega family matriarch remained silent, her fingers pausing briefly over the prayer beads she was idly turning before resuming their rhythm.
Antonio noted the tension, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he turned to Stephen with a practiced smile.
"You've always spent this time of the year at the temple in previous years," Antonio reached out to pour Stephen a cup of tea, the depths of his gaze sharp with unspoken scrutiny.
