PAMPERED BY MY THREE BROTHERS: THE RETURN OF THE NEGLECTED HEIRESS Chapter 1857: Welcome Home, Son.

[Bennet Mansion]

The days had slipped away unnoticed, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Each passing moment made the events of a year ago feel like a fading memory from a distant past.

It all seemed like a dream.

The only proof that it wasn't a mere trick of the mind was the void left by Atlas. Though he was never the most talkative, his absence became more deafening with every sunrise. It was a subject no one dared to voice, yet the weight of it was felt by all.

Consequently, whenever their hearts grew heavy with longing for their kin, they turned to small distractions to find temporary solace.

The Bennet Mansion’s family room was packed with everyone: Allison, Charles, Jessa, Lester, Haines, Grace, Hugo, Kiara, Slater, Penny, Zoren, Nina, Finn, Yugi, Yuri, and even Mint and Benjamin. The latter pair only attended because Benjamin had forced Mint to come along.

The expressions on their faces? A collective blend of shock and skepticism.

"A camp?" Penny questioned, her voice laced with disbelief. "Why on earth are we going to a camp?"

Jessa and Allison stood before the group. Jessa, with her arms crossed firmly under her chest, gave a resolute nod.

"Why a camp? Honestly, Penny. Didn’t you bother with the brochure?" Jessa nodded with enthusiasm. "It is essentially a sanctuary for healing, a place for relaxation and education."

Hugo narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I don’t need any healing."

"Out of everyone in this room, you are the one who needs it most," Jessa countered, pointing a finger at him. "Just look at poor Kiara. She has no idea why she’s even here. Tell me, did he kidnap you again?"

Seated next to Hugo, Kiara offered a strained smile. Jessa wasn't off the mark. Kiara was baffled by her presence there during her and Hugo's 'short break.' After all, Hugo had previously manipulated her into a trip that ended at the marriage bureau. However, that wasn't the reason for their current friction; it was a specific comment he had made that she found utterly distasteful.

"Regardless, we registered for this camp some time ago," Jessa said, rolling her eyes. "Initially, it was intended for our boys because we were worried. But since Atlas is off somewhere in the world doing whatever villainous things he does, and Hugo is facing a divorce, we decided this was the perfect time for a group vacation."

As she spoke, Slater, who was busy scanning the camp’s pamphlet, cut in.

"But Auntie Jessa, it says right here that their program is designed to help you find a suitable partner," Slater blurted out, earning an immediate glare from Jessa.

"Just flip to the next page," Jessa snapped. Slater obeyed, discovering further details regarding the various issues the camp claimed to resolve.

"They offer specific programs for couples as well," Allison added softly. "I truly believe we should all participate."

It would be awkward if only Slater and Yugi, the remaining bachelors, went. Their mothers had signed up primarily out of concern for the Bennet boys and Yugi, fearing they might remain alone forever.

"It sounds like character-building therapy," Penny muttered with suspicion, looking at her mothers doubtfully. "Auntie, Renren and I are perfectly fine. We don't require marriage counseling."

"Both of you absolutely need it," Jessa replied, her voice carrying a faint edge of a threat. "Take my word for it."

Penny swallowed hard and looked toward her husband. Zoren merely smiled and gave a casual shrug.

"I think the location looks lovely," Nina interjected, smiling as she read the pamphlet. She turned her full attention to Finn. "We should go. It’s been far too long since we had a getaway."

"This isn't a getaway. It's rehab—ack!" Yugi nearly bit his tongue as his mother’s hand moved like lightning to smack the back of his hand.

"She needs it as well," Hugo said, raising a hand and pointing toward Kiara. "But I’m only going to save our marriage."

Kiara clicked her tongue and glared at him, but her mischievous husband only beamed back at her.

"Should we participate?" Grace hummed, her gaze locked onto her beloved Haines.

Haines let out a soft chuckle, clasping her hand before resting his other hand on her prominent baby bump. "Shall we?"

As Grace and Haines whispered to one another, their eyes practically sparkling with affection, Jessa shook her head in sheer disbelief.

"Those two definitely need it," Jessa remarked, only to receive a gentle nudge from Allison’s elbow. "They are far too enamored. No one needs that much love."

"They are simply in love," Allison whispered. "Just leave them be."

Suddenly, Yugi’s voice rose and fell just as quickly. "But Mom—"

"You are going, young man," Jessa warned, refusing to accept any excuses. "You and Yuri both. You two need to understand that there is more to life than just your careers."

Yuri, whose dark circles were deeper than her hair color, looked up at her mother. "Like what?"

"Like... life, obviously?" Jessa scoffed at her daughter before turning a sharp gaze toward Mint. "Young lady, tell your husband to give my daughter a rest! He is working her to death!"

"Husband?" Mint blinked. Before she could even process who that was supposed to be, Benjamin leaped from his chair.

"Auntie, what are you saying—Mint, did you marry Ray behind my back?"

"Huh?!" Her expression twisted in disgust. "In his dreams!"

Jessa shook her head, leaving the two of them to their usual bickering. She turned back to Allison, sighing as if she were on the verge of giving up.

"Honestly, if we hadn't already paid for this camp, I wouldn't even bother," she admitted, causing Allison to let out a small laugh.

"Everything will be fine," Allison said, turning toward the group with a smile. However, as she turned, she spotted Butler Jen standing at the entrance.

"Madam." A look of pure shock was written across Butler Jen’s face, causing the entire room to turn toward him.

They all frowned, confused by the expression he wore. Then, he stepped to the side, revealing the individual standing behind him.

For a heartbeat, time stood still as everyone stared at the figure who had just entered the family room.

"What camp?" he inquired.

In that instant, every face in the room brightened—particularly Penny, Slater, and Hugo.

"FIRST BROTHER!!" they screamed, leaping from their seats to rush him. "First Brother!"

Like excited children, the three of them lunged at Atlas, clinging to his arms and legs. Atlas chuckled softly, glancing at his siblings before looking at the rest of the family.

"Oh, Atlas!" Allison gasped, running toward him. Charles followed close behind, and in moments, the entire group had swarmed him.

Soon, everyone stood before him, their faces a radiant mix of joy and astonishment.

He gave a brief smile and whispered, his eyes fixed on his father and mother. "I’m home."

Allison and Charles felt their hearts tighten. With tears shimmering in their eyes, they replied,

"Welcome home, son."