Chapter 28

Drake’s POV

Breakfast at the Humphrey house was never warm.

The dining room was large and polished, designed more for appearances than comfort. The table stretched long enough to keep distance between people who no longer spoke freely. The chairs were placed with exact spacing. Nothing was accidental. Even the silence had structure.

Margaret sat at the head of the table as she always did. She wore a cream blouse and tailored trousers, her posture straight, her hands folded neatly near her plate. Her face was calm in a way that felt deliberate. Jack sat to her right, scrolling through his phone, pretending to be distracted while clearly listening to everything.

I took my seat without greeting either of them. The maid stepped forward and placed my coffee in front of me. The sound of porcelain touching wood cut through the quiet room.

Margaret lifted her cup slowly. “You were out late again.”

It was not a question. It was a statement dressed i