Contrary to their expectations, only a handful of familiar faces awaited them at the long, polished dining table when they stepped inside the elegant dining hall. The room was adorned with intricately woven tapestries that depicted the proud history of the Schneider family, their rich hues blending beautifully with the warm glow of candlelight. It was a setting steeped in tradition and elegance, yet the atmosphere was charged with an unspoken tension, as if the very walls were listening to their every word.
Florance Schneider, the poised heir to her family's legacy, sat quietly at the table's edge. Her gaze was keen, tilting her head slightly as she appraised the newcomers. Next to her was Leonard, her younger brother, whose eager expression contrasted with Florance's composed demeanor. Across from them sat Noren and Levi, Monika's sons, the two of them exchanging knowing glances as they sensed the weight of the moment.