The Atwood’s

The room went silent. After a few moments passed and it seemed like no one was planning to speak, Aiden turned back to Isaac with a concerned expression that was definitely an act, but one that no one else noticed.

"I think we broke them. You don't think anyone had a stroke do you?" After Aiden said that, Griffin cleared his throat, shocking everyone from their dazed state.

"You three," he addressed Isaac, Aiden, and Amelia. "Sit down. It's time to eat. We'll discuss this further after the meal." If it had been anyone else, Amelia would have protested but she had no choice but to listen if it was Griffin who said it. She went back to her seat and, after having one of the employees set up an extra place for Aiden right next to his, Isaac sat down as well. Aiden was to his left and Amelia was to his right with a teenage boy sitting next to her. Aiden could only assume it was Isaac's other son, his new half brother.

The teenager didn't appear the least bit interested in the recent commotion nor did he seem to care about his mother's anger or Aiden's presence. He just calmly sat there waiting for his food and paying no attention to what was going on around him. His indifference only angered Amelia more but she stayed quiet for the moment.

Soon, the food was brought out and everyone started eating. Throughout the entire meal, people kept glancing curiously at Aiden, Isaac, and Amelia. They knew there was going to be a good show to watch, they just didn't know when and no one wanted to miss it.

As soon as the meal was finished and the employees started clearing away the dishes, Griffin stood up and all eyes focused on him.

"We should move to a quieter place. Isaac, bring your family to my study. Everyone else can go about as normal." Disappointment showed on many of their faces while the main characters of the day made their way to the study. Amelia glared at Aiden.

"Why is he coming?" She asked in a vicious whisper. Isaac sighed.

"He said to bring my family. Obviously, as my son, that includes Aiden." She clearly wanted to argue back but they had already ready outside the study doors so she kept quiet.

Griffin opened the door and walked in first and the rest of them followed. After he sat down, he motioned for everyone else to do the same. Isaac and Aiden sat down on one of the couches and Amelia pulled her son to sit on the opposite one. Then, Griffin addressed Aiden.

"So, what do you know about the Atwood's?" Aiden thought that was a strange way to start the conversation but he still answered.

"Not much. I know it's an old family with old money and…let's say…conservative views. Other than what Isaac told me about the past and how it related to me and my mother, I didn't bother learning more."

"And why is that? Weren't you curious about your family?" Griffin asked. Aiden grit his teeth. He already didn't have a good opinion of the Atwood family because of what happened with his mother and Griffin's interrogating questions were quickly fraying what was left of his patience and friendliness. He found it all even more irritating than Lyla and the demon spawn.

"Why? Because I don't care. As for being curious, no, I can't say I was."

"You don't want to know anything about your family?" There was that word again, 'family'. How could he utter it so casually? How were they a family at all? Both of Aiden's hands balled into fists.

"What more do I need to know? I know you desperately wanted to break up the relationship between Isaac and my mother. I know that everything that happened back then led to her death. I know that you use the word family too easily. Family? We're not family. Not yet and maybe not ever, depending on what happens. Blood relations mean absolutely nothing to me so if that's all you need to consider someone family then don't bother."

Silence filled the room. Then, Amelia laughed.

"As if we'd believe that. You're clearly after money. Everyone's always after money. You probably grew up poor and when you found out you were an illegitimate child of a wealthy family, you thanked your lucky stars that a way to earn a fortune suddenly presented itself, right?"

"Amelia!" Isaac was about to lash out at her but Aiden's amused scoff stopped him. When he turned to look at Aiden, he was surprised to see Aiden's expression turn into a condescending smirk.

"Thank you so much for being exactly the kind of person I thought you'd be. But you really should do your homework before accusing people of being money hungry leeches. You should also take a look in the mirror before saying such things. You know what they say about throwing stones in glass houses and all."

"Why you…!"

"Enough." Griffin interrupted. Then he looked back at Aiden. "Do you not wish to be a part of the Atwood family then?" Aiden sighed.

"I'm saying I don't care one way or the other. Isaac has already said that he wants to get to know me and make up for lost time so even if none of you acknowledge me, it won't change anything. However, if you want to get to know me too and consider me a grandchild, that's also okay. I'm not sending in an application to join the Atwood's, I'm just taking the opportunity to see if my father's relatives want any kind of relationship with me."

The room fell silent once more as Griffin considered what Aiden said. Isaac placed a hand on Aiden's shoulder and squeezed lightly which earned him a comforting smile from Aiden. Amelia, who was watching the entire interaction, was positively livid. She looked at her own son and was even angrier to see that he didn't seem to care at all about the situation they were in.

After a few moments passed, Griffin nodded to himself.

"Alright. That sounds reasonable enough." Isaac sighed in relief but it was clear that not everyone was pleased. Amelia lashed out again.

"What?! How could you just accept things like that?"

"As opposed to what?" Griffin asked calmly. Amelia knew that Griffin wouldn't send Aiden away since it was already a fact that he was a blood relative to the Atwood's. When he saw Amelia had nothing else to say he dismissed her and Isaac. "You two head back. I'd like to chat alone with Aiden for a bit."

After he said that, Amelia stormed out. Isaac hesitated to leave Aiden but Aiden gave a reassuring nod and Isaac reluctantly left the room. Griffin stood up and walked over to Aiden, taking a seat next to him. He was silent for a long time.

"What was it you wanted to talk about?" Aiden asked.

"...Your mother…Do you blame us?" Griffin didn't look at Aiden as he asked his question. Aiden was shocked that the man would ask such a thing. After what he said earlier, he had expected everyone to avoid the topic of his mother as much as possible. There was really only one answer Aiden could give.

"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I? If no one interfered with my parent's relationship, I would have been born into a completely different life. My mother may not have died, I would have had a father while growing up, and I never would have had to deal with all the terrible things that happened because of Lyla. Moreover, my parents would have been happy. Instead, one's dead and the other's stuck in a loveless marriage all because the older generation couldn't keep their noses out of other people's business."

"...I see."

"But," Aiden continued. "It doesn't matter anymore. No matter how I feel or who I blame, there's nothing that would bring my mother back. What's done is done. I don't plan on holding anyone accountable or anything. That is, so long as you've all learned from your mistakes." Griffin finally turned and looked at Aiden with a slightly guilty expression.

"Don't worry. I have no intention of getting involved in such matters again." He stood up and walked over to the door. After opening it, Griffin instructed a servant in the hallway to bring some tea and snacks to the study. After that, he returned to his seat. "If you don't mind, I'd like to chat for a little while longer."

"I don't mind." With that, the two of them began to talk about a variety of different topics until the tea arrived and Griffin poured a cup for each of them. After receiving his cup of tea, Aiden took a sip and his lips rose into a small smile.

"Do you like it?" Griffin asked. Aiden nodded.

"I do. It's unusual but delicious." He took another sip and heard Griffin chuckle.

"It's a family recipe. I'll send a box of it back with you if you'd like."