Chapter 30: The Space Between Us
Morning arrived at Ashford Manor without a single phone call.
No security briefings waited at the breakfast table. No crime scene photographs, no hidden documents, no urgent voices echoing through the halls.
For the first time in what felt like weeks, the house simply woke up.
Mrs. Brooks stood at the head of the dining table with her arms crossed, daring anyone to argue with her. "Nobody is working until after breakfast. That includes phones, files, and whatever Victor is hiding in that folder under his arm."
"This is time-sensitive," Victor said, holding the folder slightly behind his back.
"So is my omelet," Mrs. Brooks said. "Sit down."
Victor hesitated a moment longer before finally surrendering, setting the folder aside and taking his seat with
