chapter 28

The night was unusually quiet in the Montgomery estate. Amelia paced the room, her heart pounding as if it carried a secret she could no longer bear. She paused by the window, staring at the darkened horizon. The reflection in the glass revealed her own haggard face, worn down by the weight of years—years of lies, deceit, and manipulation.

Amelia turned from the window and beckoned her maid, her voice colder than usual. "Where is my son?"

The maid hesitated, knowing the answer might unsettle her. "Madam... Victor is in Germany."

Amelia’s breath hitched. "Germany?" she repeated, her mind racing. What was he doing there? Why wasn’t she informed sooner?

The maid nodded, clearly sensing the tension in her mistress. "Yes, Madam. He’s been overseeing matters personally."

Amelia waved the maid away with a dismissive hand. "Fetch me some ink and paper. I need to write a few letters tonight."

"Yes, Madam," the maid curtsied and swiftly left the room.

As soon as the door clicked shut, A