By the time they finished shopping, their arms were heavy with bags and both Sophia, Maya and her father were riding a wave of pure joy.

As they drove home, the late-afternoon sun poured a rich golden light over the rolling hills.

 Sophia felt lighter than she had in days. The tight knot of tension that had lived in her chest for weeks finally began to unravel, and for the first time in ages she allowed herself to hope that maybe,just maybe,everything would be okay.

When they reached the estate, Richard Cole carried the first armload of bags inside while Sophia lingered beside the car. She stared out across the...