Chapter 2: Unwelcome Reception

"Where's my father?" I asked as I approached the two men holding a sign with my name. Their muscular builds and intense gazes caught me off guard.

"Lina?" the taller one asked, showcasing intricate tattoos along his left arm. His jet-black hair fell carelessly across his forehead.

"Yes, that's me," I confirmed, breaking free from his stare. "I asked about my dad."

He rolled his eyes and grabbed my suitcase without a word, heading toward the exit.

"Please excuse Carl," the other said with an apologetic half-smile. "He's not much for conversation. I'm Ara."

"Lina!" Jessica's voice called out. "Found my bag! You made that flight so much better."

"The pleasure was mine," I replied. "Skip the cab. We can drop you wherever you're headed. Right, Ara?"

He hesitated before nodding. "Of course, if it's not too far."

"I'm heading to FaunaSphere Dynamics," Jessica said brightly. "I start there Monday."

I froze. "FaunaSphere? That's... that's where I'm going to be working too."

"You're such a sweetheart!" Jessica exclaimed, hugging me. I tensed instantly.

She pulled back. "Not big on hugs?"

"Not particularly," I admitted with a small laugh. I caught Ara's amused smirk from the corner of my eye.

As we walked to the car, I had to ask. "You didn't mention you were also going to work at FaunaSphere when I told you about my job."

Jessica's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "I know, and I'm sorry. When you mentioned wolf pack dynamics, I recognized the project. It's quite prestigious."

She lowered her voice. "To be honest, I was interviewing for a position and didn't want to create any awkwardness. I only found out yesterday I'd be on a different team than yours."

"That makes sense," I replied, feeling a mixture of relief and curiosity.

"Exactly! Plus, I wanted to get to know you as a person first, not as a potential colleague."

When we reached the car, Carl's reaction to our detour was explosive. He reluctantly agreed after I insisted.

"Just get in the damn car," he growled.

The California landscape blurred past—lush greens and browns creating a natural tapestry. After turning off the highway, we entered a meticulously planned street.

"This is incredible," Jessica whispered, pressing her face closer to the window.

"Welcome to FaunaSphere Dynamics," Ara announced proudly, earning an irritated scoff from Carl.

We pulled up to sleek, contemporary buildings with large windows. Carl slammed on the brakes, throwing me forward.

"Watch it!" I snapped, rubbing my shoulder.

His cold eyes met mine in the mirror. "Pay attention next time."

As Carl unloaded Jessica's bags, she pulled me aside. "I'm glad we met. Having a friendly face will make starting here easier."

"Definitely," I agreed. "And since we're not in the same department, there's no conflict."

"None at all," she winked. "Though some department heads can be quite intense. They push people to their limits."

"Good to know," I replied, wondering how she knew so much already.

After saying goodbye to Jessica, we continued toward my father's estate. Carl's attitude was grating on my nerves.

"Is the hostility necessary?" I challenged.

His gray eyes narrowed in the mirror. "Not everyone enjoys their life served on a silver platter."

"You know nothing about my life," I countered.

Ara cleared his throat. "So Lina, your dad mentioned you've been studying wildlife conservation?"

"Yes," I replied, still glaring at Carl. "I've been working with wolf packs. Their social dynamics are complex."

I noticed an odd tension pass between the men – Carl's grip tightened while Ara shifted uncomfortably.

We reached an imposing modern estate with clean lines and expansive glass. The contrast to my modest upbringing was stark.

"Your father was called away unexpectedly," Ara explained. "He should return tomorrow."

I expected Carl to help with my bags, but he simply left. "Getting you here alive was the extent of my obligation."

Sighing, I hauled my luggage toward the entrance.

Inside stood my stepmother, her perfectly highlighted hair framing a face that might have been beautiful if not for the contempt in her expression.

"Lina," she said, her voice clipped. "Punctuality is valued in this household."

"Noted, Jea," I replied flatly.

"It's Jean," she corrected, her facade cracking instantly.

"Right. Where will I be staying?"

"Not in the main house," she replied, barely containing her satisfaction. "We've prepared the cottage at the property's edge. We thought you'd appreciate the... privacy."

The thinly veiled attempt to isolate me was obvious, and resentment rose in my chest. "Is that so? And whose idea was that—yours or my father's?"

A flicker of tension crossed her face. "It was a joint decision. Your father agreed it would be best."

"How convenient," I muttered. "Lead the way then."

She guided me through the house to the rear doors, her heels clicking against the marble floors like a countdown to my exile. Outside, she pointed toward a quaint cottage near the edge of the property.

"Your accommodations," she announced with artificial politeness. "Dinner is at seven. Don't be late."

Without waiting for my response, Jean turned and strode back into the house, leaving me alone with my luggage and mounting frustration.

I dragged my suitcase across the manicured lawn, feeling the weight of my decision with each step. What was I doing here? My mother was battling cancer while I was being relegated to a guest house by a stepmother who clearly wished I didn't exist.

Inside the cottage, I was surprised to find the space welcoming—comfortable furnishings and large windows framing the landscape. Despite Jean's obvious attempt to remove me from the main house, she had at least ensured the cottage was adequately appointed.

I sank onto the sofa, exhausted. Pulling out my phone, I texted my mother to let her know I'd arrived safely, carefully editing out the details that would worry her. Then I set an alarm for dinner, determined not to give Jean any ammunition by being late.

As dusk settled outside my windows, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd made a terrible mistake. The cottage might be comfortable, but it represented everything wrong with my situation—close enough to be connected to my father's world, yet deliberately set apart from it.