It was already half past six, and several cars were heading towards X Villa.
Among them was Riley.
Jessie said she would come after the event ended.
After an hour's drive, the cars parked at X Villa, and everyone got out of the cars one after another.
It was already evening, and it was cool. From the balcony of the viewing rooms, you could see the lights of thousands of households.
The three kids had different levels of excitement on their faces.
Christian and Eleanor were happy because this was the first time they had gone out so far since returning to the country, and they were staying overnight at the villa tonight.
Christopher was happy because he could play with his parents and siblings.
The whole family was neat and tidy, as if Mom and Dad had already reconciled.
However, no one knew that danger was quietly approaching.
At this moment, Sisca had already disguised herself and arrived near X Villa. However, she did not stay at the villa but stayed at a nearby farmhouse, lurking around the villa.
Inside the villa.
On the spacious open lawn, there were grills set up, the long tables were filled with snacks, beer, and champagne, and the trees were hung with twinkling lights.
In the quiet, you could still hear various insect chirps from the wilderness.
The atmosphere was especially good.
At this moment, Christopher was swinging on the swing, Christian was running around, and Eleanor was sitting obediently, smiling.
The children were well arranged, and the adults gradually sat down at the round table.
"It's been a long time since I've been so comfortable." Dylan sighed.
Jessie, who had already arrived, glanced at him unceremoniously. "When Alessia didn't write you songs, were you just picking your feet at home?"
Dylan's expression froze. He felt that the woman in front of him was not as sweet and cute as she seemed on the surface. Her mouth was as sharp as that of an old lady gossiping.
He held the attitude of not provoking trouble and being able to avoid it, silently glanced at the people sitting around, and asked in surprise, "Where's Alessia? Why isn't she here?"
Dominic took a sip of water, his dark eyes sweeping over, and he saw in the distance that Alessia was walking with Riley, who was holding his injured leg.
Riley was tall, and even though Alessia was tall and slender, she appeared especially petite next to Riley.
Dominic's eyes darkened, and he saw Bianca had already stood up from her seat.
Bianca trotted over, reaching out to support Riley on the other side, and said to Alessia.
"Sister-in-law, you've been busy all day. Taking care of Mr. Sinclair is such a small matter, let me do it. After all, I promised to take responsibility for Mr. Sinclair."
Alessia was stunned, her gaze swept over Bianca's eager face, then she let go of her hand without hesitation. "Okay, then you do it!"
As soon as Alessia left, Bianca suddenly felt a weight on her shoulder and almost fell to the ground.
So heavy? Is this man doing it on purpose?
Bianca glared fiercely at Riley.
Riley looked over with gentle fox eyes, reflecting Bianca's watery accusing big eyes.
In his mind, he couldn't help but think of the nights when Bianca accompanied him in the hospital.
In the middle of the night, footsteps echoed in the corridor. This seemingly willful and capricious young lady was like a frightened little rabbit, crouching on his bed, trembling.
When she raised her head, it was also with this kind of aggrieved and somewhat accusing expression, seeking comfort. "Mr. Sinclair, do you think there are ghosts in this world?"
The seemingly willful and capricious young lady was afraid of ghosts. He didn't know why, but he changed the words he originally intended to scare her with when they reached his lips.
"Ghosts are illusions created by the mind. Due to illness, fatigue, and stress, the human brain can momentarily lose track of the body's position."
"Shut up, I just asked you if there are ghosts. Who let you talk to me about scientific principles?"
Clearly a fragile woman seeking comfort, yet she still extended her sharp claws to scratch people.
Riley cleared his throat and withdrew his scattered thoughts, slowly retracting the strength he had poured in, silently.
Bianca felt the weight on her shoulder disappear and glared at Riley again.
Originally, she was thinking that by pretending to fall, she could throw off the person on her body and let the man know what's what.
...
People were all seated at the round table.
At this moment, Alessia was seated between Dominic on her left and Riley on her right. Actually, Jessie was supposed to be on her left, but Dominic left to check on Eleanor, so the seating order changed.
Jessie and Bianca suddenly locked eyes, exchanging a knowing wink.
Jessie took a sip of her drink and spoke, "Just eating isn't much fun. How about we play a game?"
"That's a good idea! How about we play Truth or Dare?" Bianca chimed in, in sync with Jessie.
Riley, with his fox-like eyes seeing through everything, stared at the juice in front of him without saying a word.
Dominic narrowed his eyes slightly, while Alessia took a bite of her barbecue. Only Dylan objected.
"What's the point of playing Truth or Dare? It's not fun. Let's just quietly eat."
Bianca's gaze met Jessie's once again.
Jessie chuckled lightly and placed her hand on Dylan's shoulder. "Brother, are you unable to handle it?"
Dylan raised his head in response to her provocation, a blush flashing across his cool face as he retorted, "Auntie, do I look like someone who can't handle it?"
"A bit." Jessie's big eyes narrowed at him.
Dylan took a deep breath, feeling teased.
Jessie had already succeeded in diverting her gaze. "Alright, since no one objects, the game is officially starting."
With that, she took out a deck of cards that had been prepared earlier.
The rules of the game were simple: if two people drew cards of the same suit, they would have to accept a punishment. The player who didn't draw the matching card would then choose between answering truthfully or taking a dare.
The game officially began, and the first round surprisingly involved Jessie and Dylan.
Jessie drew a spade, while Dylan drew a four of spades.
Alessia couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Sis, why are you laughing?" Dylan asked, feeling frustrated.
"You really are a game black hole!" Alessia glanced at the cards in his hand.
Dylan exclaimed excitedly, "Sis, have you regained your memory?"
As Dylan's excited voice sounded, everyone's gaze turned to Alessia, with expressions ranging from anticipation to curiosity.
Alessia looked slightly stunned. Under everyone's expectant or curious gaze, she finally shook her head.
"No, I just had some sudden flashes of memory."
Dylan sighed disappointedly.
Riley glanced at Dominic and suddenly said, "Sia seems to have forgotten everything, except for Mr. Frost. It seems that her relationship with Mr. Frost in the past was quite good."
With this remark, the atmosphere suddenly changed.
Except for Alessia, everyone's gaze turned to Dylan.
Dylan felt the tense atmosphere but didn't know how to ease it. Instead, he straightened his back and became even more active, echoing Riley.
"That's right, My sister and I were the closest. She always took care of me. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be where I am today. She is my benefactor."
His words became more and more sentimental.
Dominic's face grew darker, while Riley's gentle fox eyes flashed with a hint of malice.
If Dylan continued speaking, the game might not continue.
Jessie's eyes lit up, and she reached out to pick up a grape from the table, stuffing it into Dylan's mouth, effectively cutting off his words.
This sudden move startled Dylan, who innocently looked at Jessie.
On the cool and handsome face of the man, there was still a youthful innocence.
Jessie's eyes flickered slightly. When she stuffed the grape, her fingertip touched Dylan's lips, which felt soft like jelly. At this moment, her fingertip seemed to burn.
But how could she show weakness in front of him? She raised her eyebrows and looked back at him boldly.
Dylan could only treat the grape as if it were Jessie, chewing it up and swallowing it.
Bianca almost gave Jessie a thumbs up, happily bringing the conversation back on track, continuing the flow, "Alright, the person who won this round is Dylan and Jessie. Will you choose truth or dare?"
"Truth," Dylan said without hesitation, almost immediately after finishing the grape. He didn't want to take a dare with Jessie.
Seeing Dylan's eager-to-get-rid-of-her expression, Jessie calmly followed, "Truth!"
"Jessie, I didn't expect you to take care of your little brother so well!" Bianca's gaze swept over Jessie and Dylan's faces, intentionally teasing.
Jessie smiled and Dylan blushed.
Riley spoke, "Then let me ask, when did each of you have your first love?"
***