Two days after Mrs. Blackwood’s departure, the Blackwood mansion settled back into its usual quiet rhythm. Evelyn had noticed how the older woman’s presence had filled the halls with expectations and subtle judgments. With her gone, the air felt lighter, though the upcoming visit to Victor Blackwood still loomed like a distant storm.
Evelyn sat in the living room with a cup of herbal tea, reviewing some job application emails on her tablet. Damien appeared in the doorway, his sleeves rolled up and his expression as composed as ever.
“I’m heading to Singapore tomorrow for a series of business meetings,” he said without preamble. “The schedule is tight, but the city offers plenty of opportunities to unwind. You mentioned needing space to clear your head after everything that’s happened. Wo
