SUNDAY afternoons at the Cole mansion were usually calm.
The large living room echoed softly with the sounds of a television program and the occasional laughter from the children. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, spilling warm light across the polished floor.
Adrian sat comfortably on the couch, one arm resting along the backrest. Hazel sat nearby with her legs folded under her, half watching the television and half scrolling through her phone.
The twins were sprawled on the rug in front of the TV, arguing quietly over the remote. Wendy sat beside them, her small fingers idly tracing patterns on the carpet.
Across the room, George the butler stood near the hallway entrance, observing the peaceful domestic scene with quiet satisfaction.
Then—
The doorbell rang.
Once.
Then
