Chapter 264 264: CCTV
A serene afternoon bathed Caleb's family home in a warm glow as he strolled into the living room. The air carried a sense of tranquility, interrupted only by the rhythmic ticking of a vintage clock. As Caleb reclined on the couch, a mild amusement twinkled in his eyes. His family members, scattered around the room, couldn't help but notice the subtle aura of mischief that seemed to envelop him.
Klein, immersed in a genetic research paper, looked up with a questioning glance. "Something amusing, Adam?"
Caleb flashed a nonchalant smile. "Oh, just contemplating the mysteries of the universe. You know, the usual."
His mother, busy arranging flowers in a vase, chimed in. "You're in an oddly philosophical mood today. Did something happen?"
Caleb chuckled, feigning profundity. "Just unlocking the secrets of life, Mom. Nothing major."
Klein, sensing an underlying jest, raised an eyebrow. "Secrets of life? Care to share some profound wisdom?"
Caleb leaned back, adopting an air of sagacity. "Well, I've discovered that the true meaning of life is... to eat pizza at least once a week. It's a profound experience, really."
His family exchanged amused glances. Delvin, engrossed in a business magazine, couldn't resist a chuckle. "Pizza enlightenment, huh? Maybe I should invest in a pizzeria."
Caleb nodded sagely. "You won't regret it. It's the path to inner peace."
As the banter continued, their father, ever the calm presence, joined the conversation. "Speaking of investments, Son, any plans for the future? I heard there's a rising market for intergalactic real estate."
Caleb, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor, pondered the suggestion. "Inter-galactic villas, huh? Sounds like a lucrative venture. Maybe I'll consider it after conquering the universe."
His mother, with a gentle smile, teased, "Conquering the universe over pizza profits? Ambitious."
Caleb winked, his eyes glinting with playful mischief. "Why not? A well-fed conqueror is a happy conqueror."
...
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of amber across the family estate, Caleb lounged on a veranda, watching the world with an air of detached amusement. Below him, the sprawling garden teemed with life—maids buzzing about, tending to the flowers, and his family engaged in their daily pursuits, even in the evening.
His father, a figure of serene contemplation, strode through the garden with a book in hand. Caleb observed him with a knowing smirk, aware of the stoic philosopher beneath the calm facade. His father, catching Caleb's gaze, inclined his head.
"Contemplating the mysteries of existence, my son?" the father asked, a twinkle of amusement betraying the seriousness in his voice.
Caleb leaned back, adopting an easygoing demeanor. "Just admiring the garden, Dad. The flowers seem to have their own philosophy."
His father chuckled. "Indeed, nature has its own wisdom. Every petal tells a story."
Below, Klein, immersed in a discussion with Delvin, gestured animatedly while illustrating a point. Caleb overheard snippets of their conversation.
"Business strategy should be like a well-crafted symphony, each note contributing to the grand composition," Klein asserted with a passionate flair.
Delvin, more pragmatic, chimed in, "And yet, in the world of commerce, sometimes a bold drumbeat makes the most impact."
Caleb observed their exchange with an air of detachment, feigning interest in the complexities of their discussions. The juxtaposition of Klein's fervor and Delvin's practicality entertained him.
His mother, elegant in her demeanor, strolled through the garden, admiring the blooms. She approached Caleb with a gentle smile. "Enjoying the tranquility, dear?"
Caleb nodded, savoring the simplicity of the scene. "Sometimes, serenity is the greatest luxury."
The maids, like industrious bees, flitted around, maintaining the estate's pristine appearance. Caleb acknowledged their efforts with a subtle nod, recognizing the unsung heroes of daily life.
As dusk descended, the family retreated indoors, gathering for dinner. Caleb assumed the role of a casual observer, participating in the familial rituals without delving into the intricacies. Conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and the familial bond strengthened with each passing moment.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
...
The night descended in a shroud of darkness, enveloping the family estate in an air of tranquility. Caleb, having observed the familial tableau, retreated to his room to catch a good night's sleep. However, as he approached his door, a subtle glimmer of crimson caught his attention.
Bending down, Caleb examined the peculiar sight—a smudge of blood on the pristine floor near his door. An eyebrow arched, he scanned his surroundings, searching for any sign of an explanation. The room beyond remained undisturbed, devoid of any sinister presence.
Nonchalantly, Caleb stepped into his room, his gaze scanning every corner. Nothing seemed out of place. Intrigued yet unfazed, he decided to investigate further. The blood, though real, seemed to defy explanation.
With a casual air, Caleb inquired among the maids, questioning if any had ventured near his room. The responses, however, were unanimous in their denial. His family members echoed the sentiment; none had been near his door.
A perplexed expression played on Caleb's face as he pondered the enigma before him. His father, sensing the son's confusion, approached with a philosophical demeanor. "Sometimes, mysteries unfold not through direct investigation but through introspection."
Caleb regarded his father with a quizzical expression. "Are you suggesting I meditate on a bloodstain?"
His father chuckled. "Not the stain itself but the circumstances surrounding it. Perhaps there are truths that elude the ordinary gaze."
Undeterred, Caleb delved into the security measures of the house. CCTV footage became his canvas for scrutiny. Yet, the recorded images offered no revelations. No one had approached his door.
Curiosity deepening, Caleb reviewed the footage more meticulously. Strangely, at the exact moment of the bloodstain's appearance, the CCTV experienced a three-second blackout. A peculiar incident, unseen by the naked eye but evident through technology.
His father, standing beside him, shared a quiet reflection. "Sometimes, reality unfolds in the shadows between seconds. Our perceptions, limited as they are, cannot grasp the intricacies of existence."
'Fuck... Why is this man so cryptic and philosophical.' Caleb couldn't help but curse. He couldn't really understand what his father was yapping about. As for the three-second blackout, it unsettled him even more.
What the fuck is happening in his room!?