Chapter 95

As the car rolled to a stop in front of the grand Blackwood estate, Grace let out a tired breath. The entire ride had been tense. Marco hadn’t said a word, and she hadn’t bothered to break the silence. Her wrist still ached from his earlier grip, but it didn’t matter.

The car door was yanked open, and before she could react, Marco was already stepping out. He didn’t offer her a hand, not that she expected him to—but he stood there with his jaw clenched, waiting for her to move.

With a sigh, she slid out of the vehicle, straightening her coat before looking up at the massive estate she had called home all her life. But something was... off.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Bartholomew Blackwood was standing at the entrance like he was waiting for her.

And he was smiling.

Grace’s steps faltered slightly.

Bartholomew Blackwood didn’t greet people at the door. He didn’t

wait

for anyone. If someone wanted to see him, they were