Isabella: Taps fingers D-did you r-read father's journals? What did he say about...betrayal?
Aria couldn't help but hear the conversation; turning to look at her sister. "I'm an adult now, Isabella, my dad doesn't control me anymore." The fact that she had kept her sister's true identity hidden for years could have been seen as betrayal. But if anything, Aria was a forgiving person.
Isabella: Raises an eyebrow Forgetting the past isn't going to help you understand our family's dark history.
Aria shrugs. "Dark history? I'm sure everyone has one. What matters is how we deal with each other moving forward." Her eyes briefly flicker towards the door before looking back at Isabella. "Or are we just going to have the same conversation we always do?"
Isabella: Leans forward, tapping her fingers impatiently We need to break the cycle, Aria. That's why you must learn and understand our father's teachings.
Aria sighs deeply. "I'm sure whatever our father taught you was beneficial, Isabella. But what exactly can it do for me? I never knew our father." Her voice softens. "If you want to help me, you could try explaining it to me. Without all the...prejudice."
Isabella: Leaning back, smirking Oh, my dear sister, you underestimate the power of knowledge. Our father's teachings are not just some dusty relics from the past.
Aria raises an eyebrow, intrigued by Isabella's assertiveness. "Go on then. Enlighten me."
Isabella: Leans forward, her eyes gleaming with determination Alright, Aria. Let me tell you a story about our father's most powerful lesson.
Aria leans back, arms crossed. "And what makes you think I'll be interested in a story about our father?"
Isabella: Leans in closer, her voice low and intense Because this story will show you the true nature of betrayal and the consequences of loyalty.
Aria smirks, leaning forward slightly. "Fine. Tell me this'story' of yours. Maybe I'll learn something."
Isabella: Pauses, taking a deep breath Our father was a powerful man, Aria. He was respected and feared by many. But he was also a man who demanded loyalty.
Aria's expression remains unchanged, though she does shift uncomfortably in her seat. "Of course he did. Loyalty was always important to him."
Isabella: Leans back, crossing her arms Well, my dear sister, there was once a time when our father's loyalty to his own teachings led to the downfall of his closest ally.
Aria's eyes widen slightly, a hint of curiosity breaking through her stoic facade. "And what kind of downfall?"
Isabella: Grins mischievously Oh, it was quite the scandal, Aria.
Aria raises an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly more interested now. "A scandal? This I gotta hear."
Isabella: Leans back, enjoying Aria's curiosity Oh, it was quite the juicy affair.
Aria chuckles softly. "Alright, spill the tea, Isabella."
Isabella: Smirks Oh, Aria, you always did love drama.
Aria leans forward, gesturing for Isabella to continue. "Well, I'm all ears. What happened?"
Isabella: Pauses dramatically, enjoying Aria's anticipation Our father had taken in a young prodigy, someone who showed great potential in the world of business.
Aria raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And this prodigy was...?"
Isabella: Smirks None other than Marcus, the very same Marcus who betrayed our family.