NEXT MORNING — DEVIS MANSION
The moment the main door slammed open, the entire house froze.
Amber stormed inside like a wildfire—
eyes sharp, expression cold, footsteps heavy enough to shake the floor.
Her aura alone made even the adults straighten up.
Megan, Steve, Jonathan, Joseph—everyone was already gathered.
Steve gulped.
Steve:
"Sis… actually… after you left, something happened and—"
Amber (cutting him):
"I know exactly what happened."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Where is that kid?"
Jonathan blinked, confused but tense.
Jonathan:
"You mean… Eric?"
Amber didn't even bother answering—her jaw tightened.
Amber:
"Yes."
Jonathan:
"He should be with Justin."
Amber didn't wait.
She ran.
Not walked, not hurried—
ran like a predator locked onto a target.
---
IN JUSTIN'S ROOM
Laughter.
Chatting.
Kids sitting in a circle on the bed, smiling and talking about last night's stories.
Everything felt normal—
until the door burst open with a loud BANG.
And Amber stepped in.
Her aura hit the room like a shockwave.
Every child went quiet.
Her eyes locked onto one person.
Amber:
"Mr. Eric Scott."
Everyone froze.
(Did she just say SCOTT?!)
All eyes turned to Eric.
Eric felt his entire body turn cold.
Amber's stare didn't leave him for even a second.
Amber:
"Come here."
Her tone was calm—
dangerously calm.
Eric slowly stood.
His legs were wobbling.
His throat closed.
His heart felt like it would burst out.
He walked toward her with tiny, trembling steps.
When he reached her, Amber lowered her chin and looked straight into his eyes.
No anger.
No softness.
Just unreadable neutrality—
and that was even scarier.
Amber:
"Your mother's name… is Edy Scott.
Correct?"
Eric swallowed hard.
His lips barely moved.
Eric:
"…yes."
It felt like his secret was no longer a secret.
Amber straightened her back.
Her voice dropped lower.
Amber:
"Kneel."
Eric's knees almost gave out by themselves.
He fell to the floor, shaking uncontrollably.
Eric:
"P-Please… I didn't do anything…"
Justin shot up from the bed.
Justin:
"Sis! Why are you scaring him?!"
Lussy also stepped forward.
Lussy:
"Aunt… what is happening?"
Amber lifted a hand.
Amber:
"Stop."
Everyone went silent instantly.
She didn't even raise her voice—
her authority alone silenced the entire room.
Amber's eyes lowered back to Eric.
The boy was trembling, unable to breathe properly.
Fear.
Shock.
Confusion.
Amber slowly crouched down in front of him.
Her face was still neutral—
no anger…
no sympathy…
nothing.
Everyone gathered around hesitantly, hearts pounding.
All waiting.
All scared.
All confused.
---continue