Chapter 59

Ramon POV

The compound looked exactly as I’d left it last month—sprawling and beautiful, with the main house rising like something from a European postcard and the smaller family homes scattered around the property like satellites orbiting a sun.

The gardens were immaculate, the fountains running, and I could already hear the distant sound of children’s laughter from somewhere deeper on the grounds.

Marcus pulled the limousine through the main gates, and I felt Lake tense against me. He’d been quiet during most of the drive, letting my mother keep Ollie entertained with stories about his cousins while he pressed himself into my side like he was trying to disappear. I’d kept one arm around him the whole time, offering what comfort I could through simple physical presence.

“It’s going to be fine,” I murmured into his ear, pitching my voice low enough that only he could hear. “I promise.”

He didn’t respond, but his hand found mine and squeezed hard