The steady thumping of helicopter blades echoed across the grounds of Blackwood Estate. Every member of the security team immediately moved into position, rifles raised as the aircraft settled onto the landing pad beyond the mansion.
Damien stood at the front entrance with Lucas beside him. Aria remained a few steps behind, her heart pounding so loudly she could barely hear the helicopter’s engine.
She couldn’t stop thinking about Thomas’s words.
He’s your uncle.
It was impossible.
Her parents had died when she was five years old, and her grandmother had raised her alone. She had never once mentioned another relative. There had been no uncles, no aunts, no cousins—no one.
The helicopter door slowly opened.
A tall man in his late forties stepped onto the ground. His dark coat flutter
