The estate had grown quiet after the morning’s exploration, but inside Carson and Justina, a storm of emotion still raged. Every corner of the mansion held memories, pain, manipulation, and shadow but also the triumph of survival and the intimacy they had carved from the ruins.

Carson led Justina to a hidden staircase that descended into the estate’s oldest wing, long sealed and untouched. “There’s more beneath this estate,” he said, voice low and commanding. “Secrets my father ...