Vladimir's mansionstood tall, its grandeur unwavering as the seasons passed.
Inside, a discussion unfolded in his home office. Ms. Johnson, Mark's teacher, sat across from Vlad, her expression firm yet concerned. Her short, curly brown hair framed her face, and her bright green eyes sparkled with determination.
"Mr. Vladimir, I assure you, Mark's grades are exceptional. Expulsion is unnecessary and drastic," she said, her voice laced with conviction.
She placed a folder on the desk, filled with Mark's assignments and test scores.
Vlad leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly.
His dark hair fell across his forehead, casting a shadow over his piercing blue eyes. He steepled his fingers together, his expression unreadable.
"His behavior, however, is not. I'm taking him out of your school, effective immediately.His education will be... handled elsewhere," Vlad said, his voice firm and commanding.
Ms. Johnson shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "But, Mr. Vladimir, Mark needs social interaction and—"
Vlad raised his hand, silencing her. "My decision isfinal, Ms. Johnson. You may go now."
Ms. Johnson nodded, though her expression remained troubled. She stood up and turned to leave, then paused, glancing at the silent figure standing by the door – Martis, Vlad's son.
He was only 8 years old, with dark hair that was lighter than his father's, more of a deep chestnut brown. His piercing blue eyes, identical to Vlad's, gazed blankly ahead, his small frame fidgeting with impatience.
As Ms. Johnson turned back to Vlad, her eyes filled with sympathy. "It must be hard on Mark, especially after... what happened to his mother—"
Vlad's expression darkened, and he cut her off, his voice low and commanding. "Mark, go inside. Now."
Mark didn't need to be told twice. He eagerly slipped away, disappearing through the door attached to the office hall. He closed it behind him, the sound of his excited laughter echoing faintly from the other side.
Ms. Johnson's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait, you haven't informed him yet? About his mother?"
Vlad's gaze turned cold, his eyes glinting like ice.
"That is none of your concern, Ms. Johnson. Please leave. Now."
After leaving the mansion, Ms. Johnson's car wound its way down the driveway, turning towards the back of the estate.
As they rounded the corner, the Twin Woods came into view – a rare and unusual forest where pink-petaled Cherry Blossom treesstood alongside orange-hued Autumn Blaze Maples, their branches intertwined in a breathtaking canopy of contrasting colors.
Ms. Johnson marveled at the sight, her eyes wide with wonder. She had never seen anything so beautiful in her life.
She instructed her driver, John, to stop the car.
"Wait here, I'll just take a closer look," she said, stepping out onto the soft grass dotted with pink and orange petals.
The driver, John, waited patiently as she wandered deeper into the forest, the trees seeming to close in around her.
Ms. Johnson felt a shiver run down her spine, but she attributed it to the cool breeze.