That evening, Lara arrived at the sprawling Zuvel mansion expecting the usual quiet elegance of the estate.
Instead, she found Shay curled up in a tiny plush armchair near the grand windows, her little brows knitted together in frustration. The child sat there nibbling anxiously on her fingers, her cheeks puffed in a stubborn sulk that looked both adorable and heartbreaking.
Lara's expression softened instantly.
"Sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked gently.
Without waiting for an answer, she scooped Shay into her arms and carried her from the miniature chair to the large velvet sofa. Shay melted against her side, though the pout on her lips remained firmly in place.
"Mommy," Shay mumbled, tilting her head up with accusing eyes, "why didn't you come with me to look for a new school today?"
Lara blinked in surprise. "Didn't you go with Daddy Asher and your mommy?"
"We did," Shay huffed. "But I didn't like any of the schools they brought me to."
