Franzlie gave her father a knowing wink, a gesture that only her adoptive father understood to mean that she was up to something. However, her siblings, Xanth and Achlys, were quick to pick up on the body language of their father and sister. Xanth furrowed his brow in a taunting look.

“Father, what’s that all about?”

Xanth teased his father with a grin on his face. The elderly man wiped his lips with a napkin, a gesture indicating that he had finished the meal that had been served to him. He took a deep breath and sighed contentedly. 

"That was delicious," he said. "Thank you for cooking for me." 

Franzlie smiled. "You're welcome, Papa. I'm glad you liked it." The six of them sat in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the afterglow of a good meal. 

“Just keep all the tasks that I’ve asked you. That should be done this afternoon. Tonight will be the engagement of your sister.”

After the old McGregor announced. He got up and left them. The siblings are astounded by their father's demeanor. 

"We should get underway," Franzlie said, removing the apron she was wearing and hanging it on the back of the chair. She then grabbed her keys and pouch.

“Rhory and Xanth followed her till they reached the driveway. Rhory opens the rear door for her and the chaps slide themselves, one in the driver seat and Rhory to the passenger seat.

Franzlie dialed a number as they drove away from the villa. "Is it done?" she inquired at the other end of the line. After a beep, a baritone voice of a man replied to her.

“Miss, I have already sent the report to your secretary, Miss Macy. It should be on your desk by now. However, Miss Macy informed me that you are on emergency leave, so I have also sent it to your email."

"Franzlie, if that is a business matter, you may meet us at the East District," Xanth suggested to her. She smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Well, it’s not business anyway but it will be soon.”  She replied to her brother and got back to the person on the other line. In  a split second her tone  became cold. 

"Head to the East District now. I'll be there in half an hour. Go to your safe spot," she ordered in a cold voice.

“Roger to that Miss Franzlie.” 

Within the hour, they arrived at the East District. Franzlie pointed out a spot where she used to park their vehicle. Franzlie was the first to get out of the car, followed by her siblings.

"Dear sister," Rhory said, checking his phone. "I am always impressed by your ability to handle your own security. Papa told us that you never wanted anyone to escort or guard you."

The man dialed their numbers in less than a minute. The bank transfer was complete. Xanth winked at his brother, giggling.

"Franzlie," Malik called, trying to get their attention. Franzlie frowned.

"What took you so long? I know you're not far from the area, yet you're late." She was annoyed when she saw him walking towards them.

"You are ahead of me, that is why I am late. I took a bus, as my car is currently in the shop. I am not sure what happened to it the last time we met." 

Malik explains to her while they are walking. Her siblings are escorting them as they walk to the alley of the parking lot. 

“I see you’re with your brothers. I guess this is not the right time to talk about my project.’’ Malik commented.

“You don’t know anything, that's why you are here. I asked you to be here since I’ll be busy these coming days. If you are patient enough add up some wit. You’ll know why I’m with my brother heading to this district.” 

Malik observed that they were in the busiest district of the metro. He knew that the third quarter of the district was owned by McGregor. He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

"For real, you're going to waste money at this hour?" he asked incredulously. "This is new to me. I wonder which of your siblings influenced you to come here."

His eyes widened in surprise. 

“"Franzlie, which shop shall we visit first? We only have two hours to purchase all of your things, and we also need to visit the boutique where we will pick up Achlys and Llyr's suits," Xanth inquired.

"Let's go to a one-stop boutique. It will be more convenient to pick up everything we need, not just for me but for you guys as well," she replied in a calm voice.

"Rhory, do you know of any boutiques in this area?" Xanth inquired abruptly.

Rhory rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Dude, this place is new to me too. The only thing I know is that it's owned by us. Forgive my ignorance."

“Alright then, Malik do call Casa de Estrella and informed them that we are going to be there in half an hour. For now let’s go to the nearest car showroom.” Franzlie stated flatly.

“You’re going to buy a new car? Malik looked at her with surprise even her brothers raised their brows on her.

“You’re kidding right? Xanth pouts his lips asking her. 

"Do I look like I am joking?" Franzlie flatly explained to her brothers. "I need a car, not a grand one, but an adequate one. I have a few luxury vehicles, which is why I do not need one of those. All I need is simple and plain."

They could not argue with her. Xanth and Rhory sandwiched her and put their arms around her.

"All for you, my sweet bully sister," Xanth whispered in her ear, making her guffaw. Malik, who was looking at her, was fascinated to see her smile for the first time since he had met her.

“Aren’t you going to introduce this guy to us?” Rhory scans Malik from head to foot and back. Franzlie signals Malik to introduce himself. 

“My bad, for not introducing myself. I’m Malik Ali, your sister's right hand at the underground. Don’t mind me, I'm used to your sister’s mood swings.” 

Spilling about the underground Franzlie death stare heads to Malik. The chap bows his head and takes a few steps back. He knows he’s in trouble with that glare.