Five years had passed since Lucas was born. Five years of happiness, growth, and steady work. The Vance Estate had changed completely from the cold, quiet place it used to be. Now, it was always full of life. There were children running in the gardens, staff members laughing as they worked, and doors that were almost always open to friends, partners, and people who needed help. The reputation of the family had solidified over these years. They weren’t just respected or powerful anymore; they were loved. They were seen as the guardians of the city, the ones who kept everything running smoothly and fairly.
Lila stood on the wide front steps of the main house, watching the activity around her. She looked different now. She carried herself with a natural confidence that came from years of lea
