492: Unwelcome Revelations

The day of the dreaded visit arrived, shrouded in a heavy air of discomfort. Despite convincing themselves of the necessity of allowing the three visitors, none of the siblings could mask their unease as they anticipated the unpleasant encounters of the past. Clarke Zodiac, ever the provocateur, was the first to break the strained silence. "The last time you met your father, he didn't seem very pleased. It appears you're not exactly thrilled to see us now, either," he remarked, his voice tinged with a mix of accusation and feigned curiosity. The stiffening of everyone's expressions did not escape him; they had hoped for their father's presence as a buffer, but he had not shown. Wayne, attempting to maintain decorum, replied as he set down a platter of fruit. "Uncle, we've been engulfed in our projects lately, which left us little time to prepare for your visit properly. There’s a bit of uncertainty about how to approach this reunion," he said, his tone polite yet distant. Clarke