"Thank you all for carving tout of your busy schedules to join us tonight. | have an announcement to make."
The assembled guests turned their attention towards him, eyes alight with curiosity and anticipation, as if they all were curious
about what he would announce next.
"As many of you may recall, the disappearance of my kids with my ex-wife - Dennis and Carol -shook our world. After years of
searching to no avail, they have miraculously returned hsafe and sound. | couldn't contain such joy and felt the need to share
this wonderful news. | apologize for the impromptu nature of this gathering, and for not sending out invitations in advance. Your
presence here is deeply appreciated, and | extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for joining us on such short notice."
The idea that, after so many years, the siblings had cback was both astonishing and unexpected, sparking a wave of excited
chatter among the guests.
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Rudolf beckoned Carol and Dennis to the stage, "Allowto introduce my son, Dennis Brooks." He said, patting Dennis's shoulder
proudly before turning to Carol, "And this is my daughter, Carol."
"After all these years, they've grown into such fine young adults."
"Who would've thought we'd see a family reunion after a dozen years."
"And here | was, worried that Rudolf and Maureen's spoiled son would be an embarrassment. But look at Dennis - there's hope for
the Brooks family yet."
"Indeed, and Carol looks so poised and elegant. A breath of fresh air compared to that pretentious Katherine."
"I wonder who took them in and raised them to be so well-mannered and attractive. They've certainly inherited Rudolf and his ex-
wife's good looks."
Maureen and Katherine, overhearing the whispers and comparisons, seethed with indignation. If it weren't for saving that hefty
sum of 3 million to keep up appearances, they would never have agreed to let Rudolf host this banquet and let everyone know
about Carol and Dennis's return.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the murmurings, emanating from the speakers.
"You must tell me, why did you want her dead? I'm risking my neck for you here; at least letdie knowing why. Why was it so
important for you to run her over?"
The guests were confused. Had the wrong aubeen played? Upbeat music was supposed to follow, not this.
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Maureen's voice soon followed, "Fine, I'll tell you. Only with Simona Temple gone can | becthe lady of the Brooks family. Just do
as | instructed, run her over. The 100 grand down payment is already in your account, and the remaining will be transferred from a
different account once it's done."
The guests were slowly realizing whose voice it was, their eyes turning towards Maureen at the head table. Initially, Maureen had
brushed off the male voice as a line from a movie, but upon hearing her own voice, the gravity of the situation dawned on her.
"Tomorrow, Simona and her sister, Celeste Temple, are taking their families to the amusement park. Find your moment. And don't
say | didn't warn you. Make it look tragic." Maureen's voice continued from the speakers, "She must be dead on spot. The more
brutal, the better."
The male driver sounded fearful, "If the cops trace it back to me, my family."
"Your family knows nothing. And with you gone, there'll be no witnesses. Don't worry. I've got it all planned out. No one will ever
find out. Everyone will think it was just a tragic accident."