“Hey! Get your hands off me! I need to speak with Damon right now!” Courtney snapped, struggling against the Montero's guards' grip. “We're sorry, Lady Courtney. We're under strict orders not to let anyone in without permission from Master Damon,” one of the guards said sternly, his face set in an impassive mask. Courtney was pissed at that statement. "Listen, I don't care what your orders are, I need to talk to him NOW! He's responsible for Antonio's arrest, and I will not stand and watch him ruin Antonio's life and reputation. Also, Damon is not your master! Antonio is! I can't believe you let him manipulate you all. Wake up, you fools! He is a traitor!” The guard's face stiffened. “With all due respect. The Montero's Mansion is no longer available for you. We will be forced to take action if you insist on staying here”. Courtney's face was flushed with anger, her fists clenched at her sides. "I will not leave until I've spoken with Damon. If you don't let me in, then I'll make a scene out here, right in front of his gates! I'll tell the media, the police, whoever will listen that Damon is a liar and that he is not the real heir to Montero's legacy. He is the real murderer!” She replied bravely. The guard exchanged a look with his partner, unsure of how to handle the situation. They both whispered words and then the other left the gate, heading towards the former Montero's Mansion.
*******
Damon and his three adopted siblings. Alex, and two sisters. Judy and Riley were sitting at Montero's dining hall. Sunlight filters through tall, arched windows, casting a warm glow on the walls adorned with portraits of Damon, which had replaced the Montero's ancestors. The maids, unlike before, were dressed in crisp black-and-white uniforms, moving with practiced grace around the table. Their faces filled with forced professionalism, fear, and nervousness. They served each of them with quiet efficiency, refilling glasses of wine with a polite nod. Damon sits at the head of the table, his posture relaxed, but his eyes sharp, observing his siblings to see their reactions. His brother Alexander and two sisters, Judy and Riley, though outwardly composed, can’t entirely mask their uneasiness. Each one wearing a pale face with guilt and frustration. The silence was heavy, only punctuated by the soft clinking of cutlery against porcelain. Damon breaks the silence, his voice measured but carrying an undercurrent of authority. “Like I said before. This is our time to take over what is rightfully ours, but I will give you a choice. You can stay or leave”.
“Damon, what exactly happened to Father? What did you do to him?” Alexander answered, ignoring his previous statement. The question hangs in the air, charged with a mixture of fear and curiosity from the sisters. They also want an answer. “He is not your father, let's start from there. We are all adopted and outcasts in Montero's legacy. The old man is useless and will slow my plan. He is not relevant. However, if you still care to know what happened to him. I will send you to him”. Damon smiled at him. Alex swallowed hard, he needed no translator to interpret that answer to him.
“Damon, stop that, this is absurd. We are family, talking to him like that is not fair". Judy snapped. “We are not blood related”. Damon corrected with a smirk. “The old fool adopted us as a cover for his sexuality, you all know this, and I have called this meeting to give you an option. Stand with me or leave the Mansion”. His voice echoed in the room. The tension in the room became palpable as the three thought about their decision regarding his statement. Just then the door to the dining room swings open with a sudden, forceful motion. A tall, imposing guard steps in, his expression grim and his posture rigid. “Sir,” the guard addresses Damon with a tone that conveys both urgency and respect. “Lady Courtney is outside. She’s causing a scene and insists on speaking with you immediately.” Judy and Riley exchanged worried nervous looks, and the two proceeded to look at Alexander. Who seem rather dumbfounded at everything happening. Maybe, still considering Damon's offer.
“Where is she?” Damon asks the guard, his voice cold and controlled. “She’s at the first gate, my Lord” the guard replies. “She’s demanding to know what you’ve done to Antonio.” Damon’s jaw tightens. He’s already dealt with one member of the Montero family, and now another is here, ready to challenge him. "Tell the guards to bring her here, then. I'll deal with her myself.” Damon said, tapping his fingers on the arm of his chair. The guard bowed his head then left. “That bitch should have been eliminated with the rest of them”. Damon breathed hotly and took a sip from his wine glass.