ate wrought-iron gates of Carlisle Estate on Long Is

other hand, and a beautifully w

the grand marble steps. The moment he s

said in a formal tone, as if speaking only to a chil

d Leo's hand tightly and led him up

ge crystal chandelier sparkling overh

ng tea from an exquisite porcelain cup. She wore a Chanel suit that pr

go of Ava's hand

d by a doting look. "My handsome darling," she whispered,

d placed the gift on t

nd said in sign langua

him. Her entire attention was fo

a moment, then slowly lowered and

box. "What is this?" she asked the

s a gift from

in the storeroom. We don

d deathly pale. She had spent weeks searching for that antiqu

id in his childish voice,

said, her voice soft but her words sharp as glass. "But

of blood. She dug her nails deep into her palms, the

o the driveway came from behind. Julian's admin

s attending a dinner party, madam. He apologizes o

isfaction flashing in her eyes

s gaze lingering on Ava. "Yes, ma

She's a calm, collected, and exceptionally capable young woman." She took a sip o

d Ava felt a tightness in her chest, as

public event at the time. Hi

o's hand. She stared straight

her," she ordered the butler. "The rest of u

ard to block Ava's path. But

strode up the magnificent, curved staircase. She would

ella downstairs say something to the housekeeper, her voice low, but the tone was