Chapter 4 - Echoes in the Silence
The sound of two engine ignition roars echoed through the grand driveway, followed by the crunch of gravel as the SUVs sped away into the twilight. Silence returned to the villa, heavy and absolute.
Caleb remained on his knee for a long time, holding Liam close until the boy’s ragged breathing finally evened out. Bruna knelt beside them, her hand resting softly on Caleb’s back, her fingers feeling the deep tension locked in his shoulders.
“Is your hand still hurting, sweetie?” Bruna asked softly, gently lifting Liam’s small wrist to inspect the faint red mark left on his delicate skin.
“A little bit, Mommy,” Liam whispered, his voice small and tired. “Aunt Diane said I couldn't have the chicken.”
“Aunt Diane was wrong,” Caleb said, kissing the top of his son’s head. “You can have whatever you want in this house, Liam. Always.”
Caleb stood up, lifting Liam effortlessly into his arms. He looked down at the scattered ribs and broken glass on the patio floor. The ruined dinner was a stark symbol of the permanent rupture in his family.
Eleanor stepped out onto the patio, her hands trembling as she adjusted her gold cardigan. She looked at her son with a mixture of sadness and lingering disappointment.
“Caleb,” Eleanor began softly, her tone carrying the familiar weight of maternal guilt. “You went too far. Diane was out of line, yes, but to banish your sisters from the estate? What will the neighbors say? What will your father’s partners think?”
Caleb turned to face his mother, his expression remaining perfectly calm. “Mother, did you see Diane hit my son?”
Eleanor hesitated, looking down at her polished shoes. “She was… frustrated. Liam was being disruptive—”
“He is five years old, and he was hungry,” Caleb interrupted coldly. “And my sister struck him. If you saw that and your first thought is what the neighbors will think, then perhaps you should leave with them.”
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Eleanor drew in a sharp breath, her face turning pale. “Caleb! I am your mother!”
“And Liam is my son,” Caleb replied firmly. “My duty is to protect him. If you cannot respect Bruna and Liam, then there is no place for you at this table either.”
