They all gathered in front of the main house, facing the vast compound. Every corner of the estate was heavily guarded. Bianchi had arrived, and I hadn't bothered to be pleasant with him since he set foot on the property. Perhaps he felt like the undisputed master already, assuming my brother's dead body would arrive to cement his absolute victory.

As we stood there, Mrs. Stone was held tightly by her husband, who was trying his best to offer some comfort and solace to her trembling frame.

The atmosphere was thick with tension, both of them sick with anxiety over what they were about to witness. Ginevra stood close to...