Chapter 2The Inheritance of Strangers

Chloe opened the door and introduced me. "My room is at the end of the hall. Victoria is opposite me."

She opened the room next to Victoria's. "This is yours! Great sunlight during the day. The peach tree branches touch your window!"

I rolled on the bed, overjoyed.

"Next door is Ethan. Opposite him is Harper." Chloe looked around unnaturally.

"Don't talk to them if you don't have to."

"Huh?" I didn't hear clearly. "What did you say?"

Victoria walked in with milk and kicked Chloe as she passed.

"Don't talk nonsense."

She turned to me. "Leo, drink your milk."

"Okay." I drank it all, amused by their loving gazes.

"I finished!"

"Okay, bedtime now." Victoria tucked me in and dragged Chloe out.

"Wait, wait! Leo, I have toys to show you!"

Victoria grabbed her by the scruff of her neck. "Tomorrow. It's rest time."

"Sleep? What time is it?!" Chloe protested.

"Your schedule is unhealthy!" Victoria ignored her struggles, turning off the light for me at the door.

"Goodnight, Leo. Toys tomorrow."

I laughed and shouted okay.

I yawned. I was tired.

But I didn't sleep well. In the middle of the night, I met... Harper.

I screamed when she kicked the door open, instinctively turning on the lamp.

"You! What are you doing!"

She was swinging a baseball bat, destroying my room.

Bang! Crash!

"Yo, this is the new brother?"

"Harper, what are you doing!" Victoria arrived quickly, shielding the shivering me.

"Just teaching the new kid a lesson. Letting him know who runs this house." Harper shouldered the bat, chewing gum loudly.

"Leo is young! You're scaring him!" Victoria trembled with rage.

"Why waste breath on her!" Chloe appeared and tackled Harper.

Victoria joined the fray. I was left alone, circling them helplessly.

Mom and Uncle Richard were on the third floor; they couldn't hear the commotion.

Luckily, this seemed routine. Soon, the three of them stopped, panting.

I worriedly circled Chloe.

"Don't worry, Leo. I'm fine."

I waved my hand. "Chloe, take care of your face. I like your face."

Chloe froze. Harper stood up shakily behind her, sneering.

"Brother, we'll clash plenty in the future!"

I saw her stumbling and reached out to steady her. "Oh, okay. Goodnight, Harper."

Harper's look changed. She stared at me like I was an idiot. Her gaze was fierce, almost making me cry before she looked away.

"Scared stupid."

"Watch your mouth!" Victoria and Chloe spoke in unison, ready to fight again.

I stopped them and ushered everyone out one by one.

After a quick tidy, I slept until noon.