I discreetly assessed the newcomer and I found him to be a gentlemanly and refined middle-aged man, accompanied by our little cousin who had saved us the night before, Melvin.

Atlas quickly went to greet him. "Hello, Uncle."

The man nodded. "I've come to discuss a few things with you, Atlas."

Atlas nodded, walking side by side with the man into the study on the first floor.

Melvin immediately approached me with a mischievous smile. "How are you, Chloe?"

I gestured for him to sit down. "Please, have a seat. Have you had breakfast?"

"I haven't slept all night, so of course I need a hearty breakfast to replenish my energy. Do you have a sister, Chloe?" he suddenly asked, catching me off guard.

He looked at me with a sunny smile and explained, "You're so pretty, so your sister must be just as lovely. Can I get in line early?"

"Watch your manners, Mr. Melvin," Dylan warned, noticing his flattery.

Melvin glared at Dylan. "Mind your own business."

Then he continued bantering with me