Chapter 10: Fractured Porcelain

Back at the Hill mansion, the convoy of sleek black vehicles pulled into the grand Hill estate, their headlights slicing through the darkness before dimming. The night's revelry faded into a tense stillness as they stepped out—some steady, others swaying under the weight of alcohol while being aided by the servants.

It was a rare sight.

Liliana stepped out, an uneasy feeling settling in her chest. She clutched the edge of her dress, her gaze scanning the scene with caution.

As expected, the moment they crossed the threshold, the peaceful illusion shattered.

Seraphina, completely drunk beyond reason began mumbling incoherently under her breath. Theodore, frowned, his patience visibly wearing thin. Finally, let out a sigh, and spoke.

"That's enough. Get her back to her room." His voice was firm but held a trace of tiredness.

But Seraphina wasn't done. She let out a dry laugh, her movements sluggish but her words carried weight.

"Why..." Her voice dripped with mockery, her lips tilted into a sardonic smile. "After selling me out, you wouldn't even let me talk?" She tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with defiance as she looked toward Hillary. "My, don't you just love this kind of glory?"

Hillary's face darkened.

"Take her in," he ordered coldly.

But before the servants could move, a sudden, jarring crash wrecked the tense air.

The sharp, devastating sound of porcelain shattering against the marble floor echoed through the hall.

Liliana instinctively stepped back, but a stray shard still caught her, grazing her skin. A sharp sting spread across her leg.

"Seraphina, have you gone crazy?!" Evelyn snapped, abandoning all pretense of decorum.

"That's right." Seraphina swayed slightly, laughing–bitter and unrestrained. "This family is driving me insane."

The commotion quickly attracted attention. Shadows move as the servants emerge from the corners, their gazes fixated on the scene. Then, from the upper floors, a slow, measured voice cut through the chaos.

"What's with all this ruckus at this hour?"

Albert Hill.

His cold eyes swept over the scene, indifferent yet observant. Taking in the debris on the ground and the tense figures standing motionless in the hall. Beside him stood the head butler—their grandfather's ever-watchful hound.

Albert's attention finally landed on Seraphina, His gaze remained impassive, giving nothing away.

"Why are you still waiting? Take her down," he instructed coldly with a sharp, detached tone–carrying only an unshakable finality. He turned to the butler. "You know what to do."

The butler nodded.

The servants moved swiftly at the command. Seraphina barely had time to struggle before hands gripped her arms, dragging her away despite her resistance as she cursed under her breath.

Albert didn't spare her another glance as he turned to address the rest of them, his voice was calm yet heavy. "Go to your rooms. We'll discuss this tomorrow." 

With that, the gathering began to disperse. Theodore exchanged a brief, discreet glance with Evelyn before bidding a quiet goodnight. Liliana gave a small nod to Hillary before passing by Albert, her voice was soft yet obedient.

"Goodnight, Third Brother."

Albert stepped aside, watching her retreating figure before lowering his lashes.

Meanwhile, Hillary clenched his jaw. His lips were pressed into a firm line. His mood was written plainly across his face.

Albert, as if sensing his frustration, spoke casually.

"Elder Brother," he drawled, approaching. "It seems you still have a habit of making a mess."

It wasn't a rebuke. It was merely a statement of fact, just a simple effortless observation.

Hillary let out a slow breath as if trying to keep his temper in check. He forced a smile. "This time, it's indeed my fault."

Albert, however, had no interest in further discussion. "You can save the explanation for tomorrow." His voice was dismissive. "It's getting late. Get some rest."

Without waiting for a response, he walked away. His presence was as unshaken as ever, unbothered.

Hillary stared after him, his expression obscure as he clenched his fist tightly. Al, you better keep that arrogance in check, things can change faster before you know.

Don't get too comfortable...

Later that night, a soft knock broke the silence of Liliana's brightly lit room.

She didn't rush to answer. She remained seated, absentmindedly wondering when the second knock came, and she finally spoke.

"Come in."

The door creaked open, revealing a maid carrying a familiar aid box. She bowed lightly before relaying her message.

"The Third Master has sent this for you, Miss."

Liliana's frosted eyes drifted to the box, indifferent. A slow breath escaped her lips before she turned away, her fingers untying the bow of her dress.

"Just leave it on the table," she said, already walking towards the bathroom.

The maid hesitated briefly but obeyed, placing the box down before bowing and exiting without another word.

Inside the bathroom, the mirror reflected the faint mark on her neck. She brushed her fingers over it, her lips curving faintly in an unreadable manner.

———

The next morning was merciless.

As punishment for last night's disgrace, all female members of the family were summoned to the calligraphy room for five hours. By dawn, as they stood in silence, the butler delivered the verdict with a neutral expression.

"The gentlemen's punishment will be decided by the Master," He announced calm and unwavering. "As for the ladies, you will spend the morning in the Calligraphy room. I trust you understand the consequences of failure."

A quiet ripple of displeasure ran through the group. Some exchanged glances at one another, already knowing it wouldn't be that simple.

The scent of ink thickened the air, mixing with the tension that sat heavily on their shoulders.

Calligraphy practice was nothing new—but today, they would be copying scriptures.

Flawlessly.

Five hours of relentless calligraphy was no simple task. The ink had to be smooth, the strokes precise. A single mistake meant starting over.

It was not the first time this room had witnessed punishment, nor it would be the last.

Snap!

The sharp sound of the ruler slicing through the air sent a shiver through the room.