Elena’s POV
Leo turned another page in his puzzle book as the car rolled through the open gates. The estate looked softer in daylight — green lawns, rose bushes heavy with blooms, the big house waiting at the end of the drive. Adrian’s hand rested on my knee the whole way, thumb moving in slow, absent circles.
Margaret stood on the front steps when we pulled up, shawl wrapped tight around her shoulders. Her eyes went straight to Leo.
“Come inside,” she said. “Lunch is ready.”
The dining room smelled of roasted chicken and warm bread. Eleanor stood near the sideboard, hands clasped in front of her. Richard was already seated at the head of the table. He looked up when we entered, then quickly down again at his empty plate.
Leo climbed into the chair between me and Adrian without being
