“Can we just put everything behind us, please? Let’s just move forward and leave the past in the past.”

“Of course, Mother,” Emilia said to Elsie with a stiff smile. She didn’t want to say what was truly on her mind in the presence of her children.

“Welcome home,” Lillian greeted her extra warmly.

Emilia gave her a frosty look and ignored her greeting. Samuel was wise enough not to say anything to her but simply nodded curtly in her direction.

“Hi, Crystabel. How are you?” She greeted the Adams’ daughter who was standing quietly beside her nanny and watching the twins intently.

“Say hi, Crystabel,” Nanny said softly but...