~ ISLA ~
Both Liana and Stacey straightened immediately, masks of respect slipping into place perfectly.
I lowered my gaze slightly, instinctively bracing under the old matriarch’s scrutiny.
But when her eyes found me, they softened—only a fraction, but enough to ease the tightness in my chest.
“Come, Isla,” she ordered firmly, ignoring the other two. “Walk with me. We shall have breakfast together.”
I blinked, startled by the invitation, but inclined my head right away.
“Yes, Grandma.”
Liana’s smile faltered for a brief second, but she quickly composed herself. Stacey’s jaw tightened, yet she said nothing.
With a final, dismissive glance toward them, Lady Margot turned, and I followed, synchronizing my steps with hers down the corridor.
The old lady had a separate dining area ove
