Chapter 181

The car rolled up the long driveway, gravel crunching beneath the tires. Alexander sat motionless in the passenger seat, his face a mask as he stared at the mansion ahead. Camille drove, giving him the freedom to absorb the sight of his childhood home after seven years away.

“We can still turn around,” she said softly.

Alexander shook his head. “No. I need to do this.”

The Pierce estate stood proud against the autumn sky, all gray stone and tall windows. A place built to show wealth, not to give warmth. Two figures waited on the wide front steps, Eleanor and Edward Pierce, standing close yet somehow apart.

“They look nervous,” Camille observed.

“Good.” Alexander straightened his tie, a gesture Camille recognized as his way of gathering strength. “They should be.”

She parked near the entrance, turning off the engine. The sudden silence felt heavy.

“Remember,” she said, taking his hand. “Whatever happens in there, I’m with you.”

Alexande