After that morning of warmth and whispered confessions, the Green Garden estate transformed into a command center, quiet, efficient, and lethal. Julian and Lily were buried in legalities while Scarlett fought to steady her fraying nerves. Yet, amidst the calculated chaos, one figure remained detached, watching from the periphery with a faint, knowing curve to her lips: Grandmother Victoria.
The Caldwell matriarch finally made her move. She stepped into the sitting room, her silver-topped cane striking the marble floor in a rhythmic pulse of absolute authority.
"Enough with this frantic energy," Victoria's voice, silk-wrapped steel, instantly cut through Julian and Lily's debate.
"Grandma, Arthur Harrington has already begun his assault on the market," Julian reported.
