Chapter 115: Time Passes, Shadows Loom

It was a beautiful summer evening, the sun casting a golden glow across the vast fields surrounding Alex's mansion. The grass swayed gently in the warm breeze, and the sounds of laughter filled the air. Charlotte, now four years old, ran across the field with her bright, curly hair bouncing as she tried to keep up with her older brother.

"Brother, wait for me!" she called out, her small legs pumping as fast as they could.

Joan, now sixteen and towering over his little sister, slowed down and looked back with a grin. His dark hair was longer now, and his lean frame was strong from years of training. "Hurry up, Charlotte! We can't keep dad waiting!"