By the time they returned to the Lee family villa, the night had fully settled in. It was approaching nine o'clock, and the estate was bathed in the artificial glow of garden lights, casting long, stark shadows across the manicured lawn.
Inside, the atmosphere was as cool as the night air. Joan Foster, Ted Lee, and Snow Lee had already finished their dinner. The remnants of their meal had been cleared away, leaving the dining table pristine and empty—a silent message that no one had waited for them.
Seeing the couple walk through the door, Joan Foster looked up from her spot on the sofa. She didn't offer a greeting, just a question directed solely at her daughter.
"Girl, have you eaten yet?"
Cloud Lee shook her head wearily, kicking off her heels near the entrance.
"Frank, the food is
