The footsteps grew louder, echoing through the grand, cold halls of the Morano residence. Annabelle’s heart pounded in her chest, but she didn’t move. She stood beside Derek, her arms still crossed, her chin lifted in defiance. Derek, though blind, seemed to sense everything around him. His head tilted slightly, as if he were listening to the rhythm of the footsteps, calculating their distance. His calmness was almost eerie, like a storm brewing beneath a still surface.
Annabelle glanced at him, her eyes flickering with a mix of worry and admiration. She had always known Derek was strong, but seeing him stand his ground against his own family—especially Grandfather Morano—was something else entirely. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his arm, a silent gesture of support. Derek
