previous night replayed in her mind, each scene more unbelievable than the last. Someone had tried to murder Co

ion? She felt her breath quicken. She knew she needed to calm down; panic wouldn't help her give her any answers. Taking a deep breath, she

ak table, the morning sun casting a golden hue over t

ng there own thing the only sounds were the ones co

ble, poured herself a cup of coffee with her usual grace, her eyes briefly meeting Alexis 's before looking away. Diego was lost in thought, barely touching the food on

r loud in the stillness. She wanted to scream to demand that someone acknowledge the terror

one have anything to say about what happened yesterday afternoon?" Her v

newspaper. "These things happen, darling. I

"Someone was almost murdered! And no one here seems

minor inconvenience rather than a near-death experience. "Alexis , we've all had our share of murder attempts. This is hardly new to any o

f their lives. She felt a shiver run down her spine. What kind of family considered assassination attempts a

oice soft and motherly. "We will double the security around the estate. Y

forting about Mrs. Carrington's demeanor, her gentle reassurances. But Alexis couldn't shake the f

you let me feed Cody this morning? You look like you could use a

der, guiding him to another part of the table. "Go on," Katherine urged

e, anything to escape the oppressive weight of the breakfast room. She slipped out of the house and made her way

vety muzzle of a bay horse named Storm. He nickered softly, sensing her distress, and she found comfort in his calm presence. She rest

e broke through her thoughts, smooth and teasing. Alexis turned to find

smile tugging at her lips. "Just needed some fre

ng out to stroke Storm's hair. "I get it. This place can feel l

do you get used to living in a house where murd

e serious. "You don't," he admitted. "You just learn to survive. This house...

tired to kil

him with genuine c

act they tried to stab me b

orry ab

was my favorite," Diego said softly. "When things got tough, I used to come out here and talk to

ego than he let on, more pain and secrets hidden behind his charming fac

people do terrible things. This family... It's built on secrets and lies. And on

nd the reality of the life she had married into. As they stood in silence, the only sound was the s