Chapter 25

25: Pandora's Box I spend the rest of my evening strolling in the garden then browsing some books in dad’s study. When I get back to the living room for dinnertime, I see Nikki and Joy sitting there. They don’t even greet me, so I ignore their sheer existence too and turn on the TV. There is palpable tension in the room and I can feel Nikkie glaring at me. I cannot help but wonder how she would have felt if that attacker had succeeded in his attempt last night. “Ladies…” Dad calls us out and a smile forms on my lips. He sits next to me and changes the channel to the news. I roll my eyes. “What? You are not supposed to watch TV anyway,” He says, amused, and I shake my head. “I guess I should help Uncle Orin with dinner preparation,” I say, getting up and making my way to the kitchen. Uncle Orin smiles and hands me a platter of veggies to cut. “Where are the rest of the staff?” I ask him. “I do most of the cooking nowadays. Staff is around only for cleaning and if there are guests.” “Oh