The Denovan estate carried a heavy air that evening. It was not the usual calm of family dinners. This time, there was a tension that could be felt in the walls, the steps of the servants, even in the silence of the halls. Everyone knew this was not an ordinary night.

 The servants moved quickly, polishing the floors, arranging flowers in tall vases, and setting the long dining table with silver plates and shining glasses. The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and soup filled the air, but even that could not cover the nervousness.

 Upstairs, Mrs. Denovan stood before her mirror. Her gown was elegant, her necklace simple but...