The door of Jamison's study slammed shut as Valeria left the family meeting, her footsteps echoing down the corridor before fading completely into the late night. She had offered to help them, but she had refused to give them a full explanation of what she intended to do. She had warned them not to follow her, her tone so firm that Theon and the rest of the family had reluctantly stood back, letting her walk out alone.
Inside the study, silence washed over the remaining family members. Theon stood staring at the empty doorway through which Valeria had just disappeared. His mind was racing, turning over every piece of information they had uncovered so far. He let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as a sudden realization washed over him. He looked over at his family members, his voice breaking the silence.
