Kylie brought Laurence to Merlin Villa despite his protests. He needed a place, and she had one. Furthermore, he was her father, and she had always believed that when it came to family, certain situations demanded that animosities be shelved temporarily.

“The house is empty,” Kylie said, “and I have to work now, but I’ll have someone send furniture here as soon as possible.”

Laurence was too moved to say a word, but the tears down his face spoke a language of their own.

***

When ...