uetted by the dim light. The look on her face was unreadable-half anger, half conce

her voice colder this time.

But Elena couldn't ignore Olivia's presence. The woman had been by her side ever since she arrived at the estate

rd, trying to appear calm. "I went for a walk, but I

shouldn't be wandering around alone at this hour, esp

boding. Elena glanced at Daniel, who stood quietly

p closer. "You need to rest, Elena. There are things you don't

Elena's mind whirled-was she truly in danger from Olivia, or was she just being paranoid?

ia's path. "I'll take her back," he s

ckly masked it. "Is that so?" she said softly, her eyes darting between the

prickle. Daniel's expression remained unreadabl

lied coldly. "You've had your chance to explain t

in a silent battle of wills, but finally, she stepped back, her lips curling

ootsteps echoing ominously in the empty corridor. Elena

s shoulders relaxing slightly. "I don

our father's death?" Elena asked,

don't know. But she knows more than

death, the hidden room, the maps and documents-none of it made sense. But one thing was certain:

g," Elena said, her voice resolute. "If we can fi

we need to be careful. The w

grandeur, now felt like a prison, each shadow holding a poten

nervously clutching a cup of tea. The sun streamed through the tall windows, cast

clues in his father's secret room. But she hadn't seen Olivia

d composed. She wore her usual calm expression, but somethin

d transpired the night before. "I wanted to check

she forced a smile. "I'm fine. J

urrent of scrutiny. "I understand. Adjusting to a life like this, with so mu

voice steady despite her racin

ticed something-a subtle glint in Ol

to Elena. "It was tucked under the door to your r

ingers trembling slightly. It was old, the edges wor

itten, the ink fade

ld stables. Midni

but Elena recognized the

s Edw

ard's death, perhaps as a final warning or a clue. But

narrowing as Elena quickly folded the

livia asked, her voi

hrug. "Nothing importan

for the briefest moment, and Elen

mooth as ever, "if you need anyt

ad left that note wanted her to follow Edward's final instructions-and

certain-she had to go to the stables that night. Whatever Edward had hidd