Marcus entered the dining room, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floors. The morning light filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the table where breakfast had been laid out with meticulous care: fresh croissants, poached eggs, and coffee still steaming in a silver pot. Elena’s seat at the far end remained empty.
He ate in silence, glancing occasionally toward the doorway. When the maid returned to clear the plates, the question escaped before he could rein it in.
“Where’s Madam? Isn’t she up yet?”
At the word “Madam,” Sophie’s posture stiffened. Her gaze snapped up from her plate, sharp and unreadable.
The maid hesitated only a fraction of a second. “Madam hasn’t been home for the past few days, sir.”
Marcus froze, fork halfway to his m
