Chapter 47
My hands were shaking as I stood outside the formal meeting room. Through the heavy oak doors, I could hear muffled voices—familiar ones that made my chest tight with emotions I wasn't ready to deal with.
“You sure you don't want me in there with you?” Mason asked quietly, his hand warm on my shoulder.
I shook my head. “I need to face them alone. But… stay close? Just in case?”
“Always.” He squeezed my shoulder. “They love you, Clara. Whatever else is happening, that part is real.”
I took a deep breath and pushed open the doors.
Marcus and Elena Silver sat at the polished conference table, looking older than I remembered. Elena's graying hair was pulled back in the same neat bun she'd worn throughout my childhood, but new worry lines creased her face. Marcus had gained wei
