Realization

The Langford estate felt colder than usual, despite the late summer sun slanting golden rays through the tall windows. Lady Bianca sat in the drawing room, hands restless on her lap. For three days she had called her son’s number without answer. For three days she had felt the quiet tug of dread that mothers often knew before anyone else.

Marcus entered, holding a printed report from one of the family’s financial advisers. His jaw was tight, his usually calm eyes ...