Chapter 56

Charlotte POV

Since returning from my much-needed break in Arizona, I can’t say I’m happy to be home. Matthew has taken to wandering around the estate like a ghost, completely ignoring me.

As for Jacob, after our confrontation, he’s been AWOL. One would think he’d at least have the courtesy to welcome me back home. But apparently I don’t even warrant a “hello.”

I blame it on his generation—they’ve forgotten where they’ve come from, choosing to forge their own paths rather than stay closer to home.

Surprisingly, Matthew joined me for breakfast this morning.

“So lovely for you to join me this morning,” I say, ridicule dripping from my voice.

He looks at me. “I take it you enjoyed your trip?”

“Yes, it was lovely. But as they say, there’s no place like home,” I add. “Anything happen in my absence?”

“Nothing you need to worry about,” he says and pours himself a cup of coffee.

“And how are Jacob and Nancy’s wedding plans coming along?” I ask.

He coughs up his coffee, most of it spl