Chapter 125

“Sweetheart, let the girl sit down.” My mother looked at me sharply, then glanced at Beatrice’s stomach. “She’s struggling to stand with that belly.”

For a second, I almost said no just because Ryan was near her. Then I looked at Beatrice again. She was pale, shaking, and exhausted. And she was pregnant with twins.

“…Fine.”

Ryan immediately guided her toward the couch, holding her as if she were made of glass. He was protective and terrified. The sight of it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Because despite everything—they still had each other.

My gaze dropped again, landing straight on the silver ribbon tied around Beatrice’s throat. I knew that ribbon. I’d seen it before, wrapped around Tessa’s severed head.

“What is that?”

Beatrice went rigid. Her hand moved toward her neck on instinct. I stepped closer, my focus locked on her.

“What’s around your neck?”

She looked down at the floor, saying nothing.