Chapter 11

The sun was dipping low when Amelia returned to the imposing Davidson family estate after spending a carefree afternoon in Harrison's company.

Their time together always seemed to fly by, hours vanishing like mirages.

Pulling up the winding driveway, she spotted her father's sleek black town car parked prominently before the grand entrance.

With a sinking feeling, she realized he must have arrived home early while she was out.

Inside, her footsteps echoed hollowly on the polished marble floors.

The cavernous rooms were conspicuously empty - no servants bustling about, no sounds of her mother or sister chatting.

An oppressive stillness hung in the air.

Approaching her father's study, Amelia froze when she heard his voice within, tersely conversing with someone.

She lingered outside, reluctant to interrupt.

The tone of the discussion was impossible to discern through the heavy wooden doors.

But she could tell his mood was irritable, words clipped and impatient.

After several minu