[Rosewood Mansion]
Sitting across Norma, Anna wore a composed smile, her posture elegant and unyielding. "So we finally meet, Aunt Norma."
Norma's lips twitched ever so slightly at the sight of her. The expression was fleeting, but not warm. Her gaze slid past Anna almost immediately, settling on Daniel instead. He looked calmer than she had anticipated, far calmer than the boy she had once molded with grief and fury.
The boy she had raised to avenge his father's death.
And now, that same boy was softening. Losing his footing. All because of the daughter of the very man responsible for that death.
Ever since Daniel had married Anna instead of Kathrine, Norma had kept a careful watch on them from the shadows. Every report, every whisper had led her to the same conclusion. Daniel was falling. Not strategically. Emotionally. And that was dangerous.
"Indeed," Norma said at last, her voice smooth but edged. "Though I must admit, I am still surprised."
