CHAPTER SEVENTY - QUESTIONS IN THE SILENCE

  .As she walked away, Nia could feel the weight of both brothers' gazes on her back. She found a quiet spot under a tree, trying to sort through the tumult of emotions coursing through her. The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of activities and forced smiles. Nia participated when she had to, but mostly tried to keep a low profile, acutely aware of the tension simmering between Justin and Leon. As evening approached, the staff began to gather for the talent show. Nia found herself seated between Helia and Barnaby, grateful for their buffer as the brothers took seats on opposite sides of the makeshift stage area. "Alright, folks!" Frank announced, clearly in his element as the MC. "Time for some karaoke! Who wants to kick things off?" A chorus of voices rose up from the crowd. "Leon! Leon! Leon!" Nia watched as Leon's cheeks flushed slightly. He shook his head, holding up his hands in protest, but the chanting only grew louder. "Come on, Leon!" someone shouted. "We all kno