*Elena's POV*

The morning had started out peaceful. The sound of distant footsteps in the marble hall was soft at first, barely noticeable

Elena was seated across from Beatrice in the east garden, sunlight brushing across her hands as she reached for her tea. A breeze stirred the edges of her cardigan.

It had been a quiet morning and she was just beginning to feel the aura settle around her.

Then Nolan appeared in the corridor arch.

“ Ma'am Elena,” he said, his voice just slightly tight. “Mr. Blackwood’s relatives have arrived. They weren’t expected.”

Elena blinked. “Relatives?”

Beatrice didn’t react visibly but Elena noticed the pause in the older...