It had been exactly two days since the devastating news of Sullivan's death had reached everyone in the compound.

The atmosphere was palpably somber, and mourning seemed to be the only activity anyone engaged in. Despite my best efforts to play the reassuring pillar, I couldn't do anything to uplift the mood around me. It was as if a dark cloud had descended over our family, suffocating every room in the estate.

"How is Mrs. Stone doing? Is she eating well?" I inquired from Angelina, who gave a small, weary nod.

"She's barely touching her meals, but at least she's taking enough to swallow her medicine," she replied.

I let...