The drawing room fell into complete silence.
Nathan's final words lingered in the air like a storm that refused to pass.
"Her name... wasn't Elara Quinn."
Elara stared at him, unable to breathe for a moment.
The teacup in her hands trembled so violently that Mrs. Hayes gently took it from her before it slipped to the floor.
"There must be some mistake," Elara whispered.
"My father... James Quinn... raised me."
Nathan nodded respectfully.
"No one is questioning that."
Sebastian stepped closer.
"James Quinn was your father."
He spoke with quiet certainty.
"The man who raised you."
"No investigation can change that."
His words eased the tightness in Elara's chest, if only slightly.
She lowered her eyes, fighting back tears.
"I just..."
"I don't know who I am anymore."
Mrs. H
