PARALYZED BY DECEIT

Chapter 5: Dinner with?(2)

Keira's POV

As we rode in the backseat of the limousine, curiosity got the better of me. Who was this guy that had Kae so obsessed? I turned to Kae, who was busy checking her makeup in a compact mirror.

"Hey, Kae, who is this guy, anyway?" I asked casually.

Kae didn't even look up. "Even if I showed you a picture of him, you wouldn't know him," she said, her voice reeking with condescension.

I felt a surge of annoyance, but I decided to shut up. It was clear that Kae wasn't going to give me any information.

Just then, our mother, Nadia, spoke up from the front seat. "Girls, remember to be on your best behavior tonight. We don't want to make a bad impression."

I nodded, a feeling of resignation coming over me. This was going to be a long night.

A few minutes later, the limousine drove slowly in front of an enormous gate. The gate was at least 20 feet tall with very heavy ironwork, having a big shining silver handle carved into the head of a lion. The aura surrounding us suddenly changed, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

As we waited for the gate to open, I saw guards standing on either side of the gate. They were huge, with bulging muscles and menacing scowls. A surge of fear welled up, and my eyes widened in shock.

"Wow," I breathed, my voice barely audible.

Kae whirled to me, her eyes flashing irritation. "Stop acting like a kid who was born in the slums, Keira," she hissed. "We're guests of a very important person. Try to show some class."

I felt a sting, but bit back my retort. This wasn't the place or time for a fight.

The iron gate finally swung open, and through it drove our convoy of cars. At the entrance, each car was stopped and checked by the armed bodyguards who scrutinized every inch of the vehicles before allowing them to pass.

And as we drove up the curving driveway, for the first time, I had seen the mansion: huge with its towering spires and glittering windows that appeared to run in endless succession. The exterior of gleaming white stone was all intricately carved with ornate details that seemed almost to dance across the facade.

We pulled up to the entrance, and there, waiting to take us in, was a line of maids and butlers. Each wore an impeccable uniform complete with crisp white gloves and polished silver buttons.

First out of the car was our father, Beckett; next came Nadia, then Kae, and lastly, me. A butler greeted us warmly; he was an imposing figure with a stern look on his face.

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Beckett, and Miss Kae and Miss Keira," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "Please come in, Mr. Thompson is waiting for you."

As we followed the butler into the mansion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and exquisite artwork that seemed to adorn every available surface.

We were taken through the hallway of splendor, each one more astounding than the last. Finally, we came to a huge wooden door, which the butler flung open.

"Please, enter," he said, stepping aside to allow us to pass.

As we walked into the room, for the first time, I saw a tall figure. He stood by the window, his back to us; I couldn't help my curiosity. Who was this mysterious figure, and is he the one Kae wants to marry?

As we entered the room, the tall figure turned to face us, and I was struck by his dashing smile. He had piercing blue eyes and features chiseled as if from a mold of confidence.

"Welcome, everyone," he said, his voice smooth and charming. "I'm Asher Thompson. Please, come in and make yourselves at home."

We introduced ourselves, one after another, first Father. "Asher, nice to meet you; I'm Beckett, father to Kae and Keira."

Asher firmly shook the hand of our father. "The pleasure's all mine, Beckett. I've been told a lot about you and your family."

The next one was Mother. "Hello, Asher. I'm Nadia, Beckett's wife and the girls' mother."

Asher smiled warmly at her. "It's nice to meet you, Nadia. You look beautiful tonight."

Kae, who had been quiet until now, watching the exchange, spoke next. "Hi, Asher. I'm Kae, the youngest daughter."

Asher's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled at Kae. "Kae, nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you from.mutual acquaintances."

Finally, it was my turn. "Hi, Asher. I'm Keira, Kae's elder sister."

For a moment, Asher's smile had faltered, his eyes looking back at me curiously. But then the smile slid seamlessly back into place, and he said, "Keira, it's lovely to meet you. I'm sure we'll get to know each other better tonight."

As we finished introducing ourselves, Asher motioned to the large dining table, set with a variety of delectable-looking dishes. "Please, have a seat. I apologize that my brother, Cassius, isn't here yet. He just left a meeting, but he'll be joining us shortly."

We took a seat at the table, and Asher sat down, greeting us warmly. Just as he was finishing his speech, a tall man with dashing features entered the room. His piercing green eyes, together with the strength of his jaw, seemed to exude power.

"Ah, Cassius, right on time," Asher said, standing to greet his brother.

Cassius nodded and gave Asher a small smile before he looked at us and his expression turned serious. "Good evening, everyone," he uttered in his deep and commanding tone of voice. "Excuse my late arrival."

"Well, not at all." Father replied, a smile beginning to spread across his face.

"Very well, then," said Cassius as he sat himself down, still facing our father Beckett, asking him, "Did you bring the papers, Beckett?”