Most kids hit 18 full of starry-eyed dreams, cramming in libraries for college exams.Solomon was different, already in charge of the Osborne Group. He juggled school with business, even transferring from a fancy overseas school to one in Seamar City.On his first day, he rolled up with bodyguards. It got him hauled into the principal's office pronto.His parents slinked in, looking guilty, not because they cared about appearances, but because they didn't want Solomon to catch them."Mr. and Mrs. Osborne," the homeroom teacher groaned, "we're not trying to nitpick. But Solomon's out of control, playing on his laptop in class, with two goons shadowing him. How are we supposed to teach?"Erica flashed an awkward grin. "Well, Solomon hates computers. I who shoved it on him.""Huh?" The teacher blinked, unsure she'd misheard.Randy jumped in. "Well, you know, our family's got a big business. Someone's gotta take over. Solomon's been running the show. The school stuff? He mastered it
"Your mom's right," Andrew said. "Valuable stuff needs to stay safe. Until you can protect what matters, don't show it off.""Got it. I'll remember everything you say, Uncle Andrew," Lillian chirped.Outside, Ori barked. Lillian glanced over, her eyes dimming.She knew it was Ori's signal. Debra was coming."Uncle Andrew, do we have to wait till next year to see each other again?" she asked."Yeah," he said, holding out his pinky. "This is our little secret, right? You promised me, still remember?""I do." Lillian hooked her pinky with his. "I swore it was just between us. My mom doesn't know.""Good," he said, ruffling her hair. "Go on now."Lillian lingered, reluctant. Debra called out to her from outside.She trudged out, shutting the door behind her. The wind chimes jingled again."Lillian." Debra stepped into the flower patch.Lillian ran to her. "Mommy.""Why did you run so far?" Debra scooped her up. "No more wandering off with Ori, got it?""Yeah." Lillian nodded o
Robert cut in, "Your aim's trash. I'd rather teach her to wield a knife."Theda smacked him. "She's a girl, dummy. Teach Solomon that stuff."Robert glanced at Randy, then shrugged. "Nah.""What's that supposed to mean?" Erica snapped. "My kid's not good enough?"Theda explained, "Not that he's bad. His dad is too good, so Robert won't bother."Randy puffed up, satisfied with the praise."Let's head in," Debra said, taking Lillian from Juan.Juan nodded. "Go ahead. We'll wait here.""Cool," Debra replied.She and Marion each grabbed one of Lillian's hands and walked inside. Ori trailed behind, wagging his tail.Lillian visited her grandparents and great-grandpa first. Like every year, she bowed to the graves, then chattered about her life.Debra watched with a smile.After that, Lillian saw her other grandparents. While Marion tended to Caleb's grave, Debra's gaze drifted to a tombstone nearby."Mom, are we going to see Uncle Andrew now?" Lillian asked eagerly.Debra didn
"See you at the cemetery," Debra said, cradling Lillian as she climbed into the car with Marion.Jordan noted, "This is probably the most we've ever had shown up.""Yeah," Debra smiled. "Everyone has been busy. This year is livelier."Marion held her hand. "You tired? Let Lillian sit by herself. She's old enough.""I want Daddy to hold me." Lillian tugged at his sleeve.Debra pinched her nose. "Daddy says sit alone, and you cling to him like a koala."Marion never said no to his daughter. He took Lillian from Debra's arms with a sigh. "You're in first grade now. You gotta learn to stand on your own. Don't always lean on us.""But my classmates all like me." Lillian's big eyes sparkled. "They're super nice. I can brush my teeth, wash my face, and dress myself."Debra laughed, "Aren't you so amazing? Even Solomon can't keep up with you.""He says that too," Lillian chirped, glancing at Jordan behind the wheel. "Uncle Jordan, am I right?""Spot on," Jordan grinned. "You're fanta
Seven years later, the Potter Mansion hummed with quiet joy.Debra and Marion's married life settled into a peaceful groove. Friends dropped by now and then, chatting about business rivalries or family quirks.One day, the grown-ups gathered in the front hall, planning an afternoon trip to the cemetery.In the back garden, seven-year-old Lillian swung on the swing set. Eight-year-old Solomon pushed her from behind.Lillian chirped in her sweet, childish voice, "My dad and mom said we're going to see Uncle Andrew this afternoon. Do you think he'd like my black dress or the red one?"Solomon kept pushing. "Doesn't matter. He can't see it either way. Go with black. My mom says you wear black to the cemetery.""But he told me he liked me in red.""Dead people don't talk."Solomon matured faster than most kids. He had to, with parents like that.Ever since he could remember, his mom and dad acted like overgrown kids. They'd sneak out for barbecues while he slept and confiscate his
"Go check it out. It's a girl," Jordan said.He'd just gotten word from Andrew over the phone.The surgical team had been handpicked by Andrew, so he had gotten the news firsthand and even prepared a gift.The newborn got wheeled out. Bundled up, she looked tiny and soft."Whoa, she looks like a rat," Liza blurted.Robert nodded. "She does."The doctor chuckled, "That's normal for newborns. She'll full up in a few days.""She's cute," Drake said, hovering over the baby.He wanted to tease her but worried he'd mess her up."Wait, where's Marion?" He blinked, realizing the guy who'd been pacing was gone."He bolted inside the moment the door opened," Liza said, seeing it all.Debra lay on the table, still out. Her face was a bit pale.Marion gently wiped the sweat off her forehead, only relaxing once he knew she was okay.In the hall, everyone cooed over the baby. Drake's ears pricked at the sound of dress shoes clicking closer. He turned and saw Juan approaching.Juan carr