“Deviana?”

The deep voice was soft yet firm as Deviana stepped into the grand living room of Adrian’s family estate. She turned, and on an ornate wooden chair sat an elderly man with silver hair and sharp, dignified eyes.

Deviana bowed politely. “Good evening, Grandpa Adrian.”

The old man gave a faint smile, though his gaze carried guilt. “At last… I can look at you again, my granddaughter-in-law who should have been.”

Deviana froze. Those words pierced her heart like a knife. “Don’t call me that, Grandpa. That marriage… failed.”

“That is exactly why I asked you here.” The old man patted the chair across from him, inviting her to...