Olivia and Isabella sat facing one another, a heavy silence stretching between them like a fraying rope.
Cradled in Olivia's arms was little Anne, a fragile bundle of linen and soft breaths.
"Things have become... complicated," Isabella murmured, her voice barely audible.
She leaned forward, her eyes searching Olivia's guarded expression. "So? Was it Elvira? Did she truly murder the late Duchess?"
Olivia did not look up. Her gaze remained fixed on the infant, her fingers tracing the edge of the blanket.
"Hmm, I cannot say for certain," she replied, her tone hauntingly detached. Whether it was her hand or another's matters little. What matters is that her 'gift' was delivered with chilling precision."
"For now, Isabella, leave the ghosts to me and focus on finding that maid."
"Very well," Isabella sighed, standing as Olivia rose with a sudden, sharp grace.
"Where are you going now?"
"To pay a visit to my other mother-in-law."
Isabella's brow furrowed. "Talia? But why?"
