The next morning, Alexander stood by the window of his private study, his gaze sweeping over the sprawling estate now filled with the presence of Sophia's family. Yet, despite the bustle below, his mind remained a million miles away. The weight of his family’s legacy felt heavier than ever, the aftermath of Gerald's arrest a mere spark in a storm that was far from over. Gerald’s influence still lingered, and the dangerous secrets that tied them all together seemed impossible to unravel.
Sophia’s soft footsteps brought him back to the present, and he turned just in time to see her step into the room. Her eyes searched his face, a familiar warmth and concern radiating from her.
"You look troubled," she said, her voice gentle but laced with an unspoken understanding. "Is it Gerald?"
Alexan
