TER

ng echoed through the room, snapping her out of her daze. She tightened her grip

Ray asked, her tone

ine, thank you for everything, M

he cool afternoon air. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. It was over,

mind wandered to the last few years of her life. Memories of her grandfather's warmth, the s

staircase to her new room. The space was small, just enough for her bed and a small desk,

him. He paced the length of his spacious office, his hands clenched into fists. Signing

orm out of that meeting with the lawyer," Jack said, co

. "Why do you always h

on, Lucas. We've known you for years. You may act like

and through his hair. "She wanted

at? You mean your wife-w

his tone sharp. "And ye

with a smirk. "She seemed

rther comments. "She was more than you thi

ot to press further. Instead, he changed the subject. "So, wha

eaked face and the quiet strength she had shown during the divorce proceedings. For years,

ty lights flicker in the distance. Her phone buzzed with a messag

er bag, flipping through the pages filled with scribbles and plans she had made years ago. Befo

t smile. Maybe it wasn't to

al places, leaving her résumé and exchanging polite smiles with potential employers. By

warmly. "We could use some help with the inventory," Mrs. Henderso

ine. "Thank you, Mrs. H

kstore was calming, and she found solace in the company of books and the occasional

s, but his mind was elsewhere. Every time he returned to the mansion, the silence felt more oppress

ject line read: *"A Matter of Importance."* He opened it, his heart sinking as he read the contents. H

re typing a reply: *

he? He ha

n a shelf, a familiar voice startled her.

g as she recognized Ethan, her uncle

asked, her voice steady despite

e said, his tone dripping with mock concern. "

d her fists. "W

to remind you of your place, Jasmine. Don't t

g. Ethan chuckled and walked away, l

ut Ethan's words. They fueled her determination rather than disco