The wretched girl survived

The air inside Lady Isabella's chambers was tense, heavy with an anger that seemed to emanate from every corner. She paced back and forth like a caged animal, her steps sharp and agitated, the frustration within her threatening to overflow.

A soft knock on the door shattered her solitude, but her response was far from welcoming. She snapped at the maid who dared to intrude on her turmoil, her voice laced with irritation as she dismissed the young woman without a second thought.

But then, a voice responded to her angry command, a voice that held a familiar yet unexpected timbre. "It's me, Mother," Liam's voice called from the other side of the door.

For a moment, Lady Isabella's anger was replaced by surprise, and she quickly composed herself before granting him permission to enter. Liam stepped into the room, his gaze meeting hers as he assessed the storm of emotions that seemed to surround her.

Liam's question was simple, direct. "Did you know that Scarlett is alive?"

Lady Isabella's