(Author’s POV)
After breakfast, the air in the mansion seemed to shift back into its usual rhythm. Everyone had places to be, things to do. Owen and Ryan lingered for just a moment before heading out, both leaning down to kiss Aurora on the forehead in their habitual, affectionate way. She gave them a small smile, though inside her heart still carried the dull ache from earlier.
Amelia stood a few steps away, silently observing. Her mind was already working, every small detail was a thread she could pull later. Through one of the maids, she had learned that Aurora and Ian often left together for college. That bit of information had been tucked neatly into her mental arsenal, and now she was ready to use it.
Aurora reached for her bag on the couch, slinging it over her shoulder. Amelia’s
