Author POV

The grand hall was alive with sound—soft orchestral music floating through crystal chandeliers, the hum of wealthy voices blending with clinking glasses and low laughter. Power filled the air, thick and invisible, carried by the men and women who ruled from the shadows.

Then the entrance doors opened again.

Mark stepped in.

Beside him was Mrs. Scofield, moving with quiet dignity. And between them, holding tightly to his mother’s hand, was Eric.

The moment Stephanie noticed ...