My words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Father and Lucas stared at me, stunned into silence.
Finally, Lucas spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “I believe you.”
Father sighed deeply, his expression softening. “If you truly believe this is what’s best… then I’ll trust you. You’ve always been my daughter, Isadora. That will never change, and thank you for doing so much for the family.”
The conversation seemed to end peacefully. As they turned to leave, I glanced up and saw Idris watching from a balcony. His facial expression looked a bit worried, but something about his presence reassured me.
Father left for the Vale estate, and Lucas returned to Windermere. Some time later, I found Idris in the study, poring over maps and documents.
“Why did you look so worried earlier?” I as
