Daniel studied Elena quietly for a moment before speaking.
"I hope we didn't disturb your morning."
"You're family," Elena answered smoothly. "You don't need permission to visit."
The sentence was perfectly respectful.
Yet somehow it made Alaric even more uncomfortable.
Because she was trying.
And everyone in the room could see it.
Elena's gaze briefly flickered toward Alaric afterward.
Only for a second.
But it was enough for her to notice the unusual tension in his posture.
That immediately sharpened her attention.
Something happened before she came downstairs.
"Is everything alright?" she finally asked calmly.
Silence followed for a brief moment.
Then Daniel stepped forward slightly.
"There's something we need to discuss with you."
Elena's expression remained composed.
"Of course."
Daniel exchanged a brief glance with Clara before continuing carefully,
"Yesterday my wife visited this house."
Not a single reaction crossed Elena's face.
"Yes."
