The morning sun poured softly through the mansion’s tall windows, casting golden rays across the marble floor. The air inside was calmer now that Mr. Martin had returned — his presence restored a sense of peace that had long been missing. The staff, even the few who remained, moved with renewed energy and quiet joy.
At the breakfast table, Jacob sat nervously, his spoon untouched, his eyes darting toward his father. He had been waiting for the right moment since the night before, but courage seemed to slip through his fingers every time he tried to speak.
Mr. Martin was reading through some company papers, his glasses resting low on his nose. The soft rustle of paper was the only sound in the room until Jacob finally cleared his throat.
“Father…”
Mr. Martin looked up, adjusting his gla
