He was, of course, telling Liam to shut up.
Mr. Hart looked up, confused. "Huh? Do we have that rule?"
They used to.
At least, that's how Gabriel had been raised.
But the rule had vanished the moment Liliana was born. She was a chatterbox, always loving to talk to her family at the dinner table, sharing stories from her day.
Old Mr. Hart had doted on her, so he'd abolished the rule entirely.
As a result, Liliana had never known the hardship of being scolded by an elder for speaking at the table.
She, too, looked up at Gabriel in confusion.
Gabriel calmly picked up his bowl. "Let's just eat."
Liam narrowed his eyes slightly, a knowing smirk slowly spread across his lips.
What was this?
Was her big brother not pleased with him?
The rest of the meal passed in relative harmony.
Afterward, Liam offered to help with the dishes.
Mrs. Hart gently pushed him out of the kitchen with a smile. "Why don't you go upstairs and keep Liliana company?"
"She's been feeling down lately. Go have a chat with her."
Mrs. Hart gestured toward the stairs. Then she handed him a tray with a glass of juice and a few of Liliana's favorite little pastries.
Liam understood immediately. He was quick with the sweet talk, replying obediently, "Thank you, Mrs. Hart."
"You're looking even more beautiful today, Mrs. Hart. I'll have to ask for your skincare secrets next time."
Mrs. Hart beamed, unable to hide her delight, though she feigned modesty. "Oh, stop it. I just slap on whatever. You kids and your compliments."
"Alright, go on up now."
She gave him another gentle push, a conspiratorial glint in her smiling eyes.
Once Liam was out of earshot, Gabriel suddenly appeared behind her, his gaze sharp. "Mom, what are you doing?"
Mrs. Hart jumped.



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