A Family Divided

The grand dining room of the Feng family mansion was awash in morning light, but the oppressive tension between its occupants overshadowed the warmth of the sun. At the head of the long table sat Feng Zhengzhi, the patriarch, his stern gaze moving between his two sons, Feng Zhaoxuan and Feng Guiren. The rest of the family sat scattered around the table, each harboring their own motives, schemes, and suspicions. 

In the middle of it all sat Feng Jinhai, poised and unflappable despite the animosity radiating toward him from nearly everyone in the room. His calm demeanor only seemed to heighten the irritation of Qiao Yingyao, who watched him with barely concealed disdain from her seat beside Zhaoxuan. She clutched the edge of the table, her lips pursed tightly. 

At Zhengzhi's signal, breakfast was served, but it was clear that no one had much of an appetite. The air was thick with tension as silverware clinked against porcelain and hushed murmurs filled the room.