The morning sun bathed the Vortellion estate in a warm glow, but the atmosphere inside was anything but serene. Gerald sighed as he watched the children shuffle out the door to school, their backpacks slung carelessly over their shoulders. Getting them up and ready had always been a battle... spilt juice, arguments over socks, and one kid nearly forgetting his homework. It's been hectic without a nanny. By the time they were in the car, Gerald was ready for his other task.
In the dining room, Milo had prepared a spread of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit, the aroma filling the air. Clara, ever the perfectionist, hovered over the kids before they left, making sure they ate every bite. She was trying hard to be the ideal mother, but the kids barely acknowledged her efforts, their responses limited to grunts and eye-rolls. As the door closed behind them, Clara turned to the breakfast table where Viktor and Luka sat, already digging into their plates.
